Li Changchun, a senior member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership, has called for spiritual and cultural support in the development of western Chinese regions.

On his inspection to northwest China's Gansu Province from August 20 to 24, Li visited the cities of Lanzhou, Jiuquan and Jiayuguan, where he talked with local people and heard reports from provincial officials.

Li, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, said the ability should be enhanced to meet the growing spiritual and cultural demands of the people while implementing the central government's policy of developing the western regions, and to introduce Chinese culture to the world.

In Dunhuang City, Li inspected broadcast and television construction in villages, noting it has political as well as a cultural importance.

In the publishing house of leading Chinese magazine, "The Reader," Li said he hopes the magazine will set a valuable example in the cultural reform so as to push reforms and innovation in the western regions.

Li also inspected the University of Lanzhou and protection of historical and revolutionary cultural relics in the province.

(Xinhua News Agency August 25, 2005)