China on Wednesday issued a national outline for cultural reform and development for the 2011-2015 period, calling for further efforts to promote the cultural industry's development and boost the country's cultural influence.

Deepening systematic reforms in the cultural sector and promoting cultural prosperity is necessary for the creation of a moderately prosperous society and the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the outline said.

Issued by the general offices of both the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council, the outline specifies the guiding principles, major goals and key aspects of the cultural reforms and development that will take place over the next five years.

(Xinhua News Agency February 15, 2012)