Beijing has launched a massive propaganda blitz singing the praises of President Jiang Zemin in the run-up to the 16th Party Congress and lauding the importance of stability and unity.
The campaign began with a three-day national conference from Monday attended by Mr Jiang, Vice-President Hu Jintao, propaganda chiefs from all provinces and relevant ministries and bosses of major media organisations.
To counter criticism of widespread corruption and massive unemployment, Mr Jiang told the conference the state propaganda machine should bolster public confidence in the Communist Party.
He said the party must also be seen as the right body to represent advanced production forces, the most advanced culture and the interests of the masses, as stipulated in his 'Theory of the Three Representatives'.
The theory will be written into the party constitution at the 16th Party Congress starting on November 8.
In the face of a widening wealth gap and massive layoffs, Central Publicity Department chief Ding Guangen urged his journalists to be more practical and defend the under-privileged.
'State media should do more to stabilise the public's morale, especially in caring for the impoverished masses and reflecting their difficulties,' Mr Ding said.