The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee's Publicity Department has urged local governments to "carry out in-depth patriotic educational activities" among the public centering on the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which falls on Oct. 1.

The People's Daily reported Monday that the General Office of the CPC Central Committee released a document drafted by the Publicity Department, which said that "patriotic educational activities" are of vital importance in supporting morale and boosting confidence in overcoming difficulties.

The document said that 2009 would be an important year in which China would have to deal with complicated changes in the international economic arena and maintain stable and relatively fast economic development.

The document said that the activities should guide people to love the Party, and to realize the significance of the founding of New China and the great achievements the country made in the past 60 years.

Activities should also make the public aware of the advantages of socialism with Chinese characteristics and give them a correct understanding of China's basic conditions at present.

China is preparing for celebrations to mark its 60th anniversary, including a grand military parade in Beijing.

(Xinhua News Agency April 27, 2009)