A senior Chinese leader has called for increasing exports of Chinese publications, including newspapers, books and audio and video products, to promote foreigners' understanding of China.

"We should push the Chinese culture to the world and make it a positive factor in deepening understanding, friendship and cooperation with the rest of the world," said Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, during his visit to south China's Guangdong Province from Monday to Wednesday.

Li asked the press and publication sectors to "firmly adhere to the correct orientation," saying, "Sound social influence should always be the number one consideration."

"They should give full play to their positive role of uniting the people, rallying forces, guiding the society and serving the public," he said.

Meanwhile, he said, publishers should carry out reform to improve economic results. "They should keep their work close to the realities, life and the masses of people," he said.

He asked cultural market regulators to eradicate "cultural garbage" to create sound social and cultural environment for the healthy growth of young people.