China should continue to put people first, advance core socialist values, intensify education, patriotism as well as civic morals, and upgrade cultural and ethical progress to a new level, said Liu Qibao, head of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Liu, who is member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during his inspection tour in Jiangsu and Anhui provinces from April 6 to 9.

He urged departments at all levels to implement the guiding principles laid out by the CPC central committee to upgrade cultural and ethical progress of the general public based on economic, political, cultural, social and ecological advancement.

Liu also pointed out the need to improve citizens' moral integrity and promote cultural progress while combating extravagance and various misconducts.

During his tour in the two provinces, Liu visited several cultural publicity agencies, urban communities and companies to see the cultural and ethical progress as well as the development of traditional cultural heritage.

Liu also stressed the need to foster a social environment that values integrity, mutual help, hard work and thrift as well as education.