President Hu Jintao (right) meets yesterday in Beijing with social scientists who are members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.- Xinhua

President Hu Jintao yesterday highlighted the crucial role that philosophy and social sciences play in building a more affluent society and enhancing China's national strength and international competitiveness.
"The development level of philosophy and social sciences can epitomize a nation's thinking capabilities, mental outlook and the level of civilization," said Hu while participating in a panel discussion of social scientists who serve as members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China's top advisory body.
The president urged the nation's philosophers and social scientists to "unswervingly uphold the guiding status of Marxism," keep pace with the times to constantly make theoretical innovations, and add still greater vitality to Marxism in contemporary China.
"I hope you will firmly bear in mind your social responsibilities, foster a fine style of research and study and work more closely in coordination to actively promote the prosperity and development of philosophy and social sciences," said Hu, as the CPPCC was holding its annual session.
Also yesterday, other senior leaders including Premier Wen Jiabao participated in panel discussions with lawmakers and political advisers.
During talks with lawmakers from north China's Tianjin Municipality, Wen urged the better-developed eastern coastal regions to take the country's lead in achieving modernization and play a vital role in supporting the development of the less-advanced central and western regions.