BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has called on writers and artists to advocate truth and beauty in life and to diversify the ideas and styles of their works in order to promote social harmony and enrich the culture.

    Addressing Chinese writers and artists, Wen said developing Chinese literature and promoting the cultural qualities of the people was crucial to help boost economic and social development.

    He admired many significant writers and artists, past and present, and had been inspired by their works.

    He said writers and artists should reflect reality in society and encourage people to seek the truth.

    Their works should encourage people to consider others, society and the country, and create a free and sound environment for individual development.

    The works of writers and artists should bring the people pleasure by creating and reflecting beautiful things in life.

    Wen said the "academic freedom" of writers and artists was guaranteed by law.

    "Academic and artistic democracy should be fully pursued. The value of literature and art should be judged by practice, history and the people through academic research and discussion rather than administrative orders," said Wen.

    All writers and artists who worked hard for the people and the country should be united, and innovation in ideas and styles was encouraged.

    He said writers and artists should have strong sense of social responsibility, which means their works should reflect the will of the people, criticize negative social phenomena and promote harmony.

    Finally, Wen said he hopes more elites and more fine works would emerge, and called on all Chinese writers and artists to work together in promoting an advanced socialist culture.