"Cultural confidence represents a fundamental and profound force that sustains the development of a country and a nation," Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out at the 19th CPC National Congress, and that's how significant cultural confidence is, especially for a country with a history dating back to 5,000 years ago.
But why is cultural confidence important? Why do we need to be confident? How could we be confident about our culture?
"The difference between high and low levels of culture not only represents the personal quality of citizens but it can also manifest the civilization degree of a country and society from aside, which is the embodiment of a country's soft power," famous Chinese writer and former culture minister Wang Meng once shared his point of view with the media.
"Our Chinese characters, poems and songs, Four Treasures of the Study, Chinese cooking, health care medicine, architecture and gardens, traditional festivals, national arts, folk crafts, rituals, and customs ... constitute a beautiful Chinese way of life," with over 5,000 years of history and splendid civilizations, we definitely should have the confidence of our own culture, Wang added.
China's cultural soft power and the international influence of Chinese culture have increased significantly over the past decades. Government's support for cultural industries is very effective.
Cultural confidence represents a fundamental and profound force that sustains the development of a country and a nation. /VCG
Free entry to cultural facilities across the country
According to a 2019 government report, the central government advocated free entry to cultural facilities across the country, including over 50,000 museums, memorial halls, art galleries, public libraries and cultural centers.
In the same year, the central government also allocated 3.2 billion U.S. dollars to build a public culture service system, a 240-million-U.S.-dollar increase from the previous year.
Meanwhile, the Chinese government is focusing on expediting the equalization of basic public services. With the help of three major programs – namely Spring Rain, Sunshine and Dreams Come True – cultural volunteers in rural areas are promoting cultural activities.
But these measures are not enough, in the face of a cultural collision with the West, China needs to keep on learning.
While encountering external influences, people need to distinguish, and have their own determination and make their own choices.
As President Xi said: "We should cherish our cultural roots, draw on other cultures, and be forward-thinking. We should do more to foster a Chinese spirit, Chinese values, and Chinese strength to provide a source of cultural and moral guidance for our people.
Increasing international influence
While China's cultural industries are developing rapidly, Chinese culture's influence is growing overseas. /VCG
While its industries are developing rapidly, Chinese culture's influence is growing overseas.
In 2018, China's total export and import of cultural products reached 102.38 billion U.S. dollars, a 15.4-percent increase compared to 2012.
China's cultural progress enhances not only its people's development but also its cultural image abroad.
The Chinese government is promoting the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind through the country's rich cultural heritage.
China is taking to the world stage an image of a major culture power.