Senior Chinese leader calls for arts industry reform, innovation

Li Changchun (front), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, looks at photos at a photo exhibition on the history of the development of the China National Opera House, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 15, 2010. Li Changchun inspected the China National Opera House on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BEIJING, Jan. 15 -- A senior Chinese leader on Friday called for deepened reforms and more innovations in the country's arts sector for greater cultural development.

Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the call during an inspection to the China National Opera House.

Li urged China's major artistic troupes to bring out competitive products, and cultivate excellent artists by taking part in the market competition.

He called for innovation in the content and forms of cultural works, as well as in the technologies and means of communication.

Li urged the troupes to tap the international market, and called for a better system to train more cultural talents including arts producers, music conductors and performers.

Li also enjoyed performances and rehearsals at the state-level opera house, and solicited opinions of some artists.

Li Changchun (C front), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, shakes hands with Zheng Xiaoying, a famous conductor, as he inspects the China National Opera House, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 15, 2010.(Xinhua/Li Tao)