Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, has called for increased focus on the core socialist values - as expressed by President Xi Jinping - and stressed the importance of a comprehensive implementation of the country’s moral doctrine.

He made the comments during a seminar held from Sept 12 to 13 which involved sharing experiences on cultivating and maintaining the values.

The core socialist values concern a set of moral principles summarized by the central authorities, including: prosperity, democracy, civility, harmony, freedom, equality, justice, the rule of law, patriotism, dedication to work, integrity and friendship.

Liu said confidence in these values - which are guided by Marxism, inherited from traditional Chinese culture, developed from socialism with Chinese characteristics and acquired from human civilization on this planet - is the pillar that supports the spirit of national independence.

The country should demonstrate the merits of the core socialist values and strengthen their leading role in realizing the Chinese dream, Liu also said.

He added the implementation of the values should be integrated with the national education system and economic and social development, and they should involve every aspect of life, thus consolidating the social foundation of the values.

Liu urged party leaders at all levels - and also public figures - to be especially responsible and united in the promotion of the core socialist values.

Liu Qibao, a member of the Political Bureau and Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and head of the publicity department, said in the concluding remarks of the seminar that efforts must be made to promote the values in various fields.

He also said educational activities in communities, schools and enterprises - as well as the self-discipline education of party members- are opportunities to implement the core values.

Liu Qibao also stressed the role played by key groups such as party cadres, public figures and moral role models to push forward the construction of the core socialist value system.

Vice-Premier Liu Yandong presided over the seminar, and 24 representatives from central and local departments delivered speeches.