Xi underlines significance of archaeology

Historical study, relics help public better understand Chinese civilization, he says

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has underlined the importance of developing archaeology to better understand the longstanding and profound Chinese civilization, promote traditional culture and boost cultural confidence.

Xi made the remark on Monday while presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on the latest archaeological discoveries in China and their significance.

Archaeological work is an important undertaking that exhibits and establishes the history of the Chinese nation and Chinese civilization, he said, noting that history cannot be understood without archaeology.

Calling the protection and inheritance of historical and cultural legacies an exercise in showing responsibility for history as well as the people, Xi urged greater efforts on archaeological work and historical research, so that cultural relics, the nation's heritage and characters written about in ancient books can further enrich the whole of society.

China's archaeological discoveries have exhibited the historical evolution of Chinese civilization, displayed its brilliant achievements and showed its significant contribution to world civilization, he said.

Xi stressed focusing on major archaeological research programs, concentrating resources to achieve new breakthroughs, and the coordination of researchers in different fields including archaeology, economics and politics in order to present the origin and development of Chinese civilization and its major contributions to humanity more clearly and comprehensively.

He also called for efforts to protect and make good use of archaeological sites and historical relics and cultivate a larger pool of archaeological personnel by attracting more young people to engage in this work.

Xi urged further efforts to guide the people, especially young people, to better understand the origin and development history of Chinese civilization, and conduct international exchanges to let the rest of the world know more about China's civilization, its history and national spirit.

Wu Yujian, head of Fuzhou Cultural Heritage Administration in Fujian province, said Xi's speech revealed the intrinsic connection between archaeology and Chinese culture and how archaeology can help realize great national rejuvenation.

Xu Wei contributed to this story.