Hu made the call at a study session of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of Communist Party of China (CPC), saying officials should "actively and creatively nurture a healthy online culture" that meets public demand.

President Hu Jintao speaks at a meeting in this photo taken on January 9, 2007. [Xinhua]

The rapid development of the Internet in China has played an important role in spreading information, knowledge, and CPC's policies, and it has also raised new issues for the country's cultural development, Hu said.

"Whether we can cope with the Internet is a matter that affects the development of socialist culture, the security of information, and the stability of the state," Hu said, asking officials to use the Internet as a platform to spread healthy information.

Officials at all levels should facilitate the development of the Internet while improving the administration of web technologies, content and network security, said Hu.

Hu asked officials to become more knowledgeable and to improve their ability to administer the Internet.

Hu said the government should use advanced technologies to better guide public opinions voiced through the Internet.

"We should spread more information that is in good taste, and promote online products that can represent the grand Chinese culture," Hu said.

He told officials to provide conditions for developing websites that carry "excellent content" and improve the delivery of information.

China's Internet population jumped by almost 24 percent last year to reach 137 million, according to the China Internet Network Information Center.

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