Li Changchun, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), has asked for deeper theoretical research of Marxism in order to push forward the development of the Party's own ideological theory.

Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee's Political Bureau, made the remarks Saturday at a meeting on the theoretic research and construction of Marxism, a project launched eight years ago.

Li said launching the project is a major decision made by the CPC Central Committee, with comrade Hu Jintao as the General Secretary, with the view of further making Marxism reflect the situation in China, the times, and the status of the people and adhering to and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Li said since it was launched, the project has made major achievements and contributed to the development of the Party and the nation.

He hailed the project as a strategic project, a lifeline project and a basic project that bears on the overall development of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

He said in the course of 91 years since the CPC was founded, in the course of 63 years since the CPC became the ruling Party and in the course of 34 years since the CPC launched national reform and opening, the CPC has effected profound transformation and rapid development of in Chinese economy and society.

Li said the CPC has pioneered and expanded the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, created and developed relevant system of theories, established and perfected the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

"These are major innovations carried out by the Chinese people under the leadership of the CPC," said Li, adding "they are great achievements in the history of human civilization."

He also noted that the project has led to the creation of an innovative mechanism for the country's theoretical work, as well as setting the ground for the prosperous development of philosophy and social sciences.

Li noted that the country's theoretical science circle faced a significant and pressing task to interpret China's development course and practices with the country's own theoretical system.

Li also called upon researchers and academics to make greater efforts to promote common understanding between officials and civilians while enhancing the country's influence in global academics.