Profiles

Former Minister of Culture voices on cultural direction

(Nanfang Weekend)
Updated: 2006-08-08 10:04

If it were not for the severe criticism of the Super Girl contest, many people would have no idea who Liu Zhongde is.

His previous work and art had affected the Chinese people closely, as many of the familiar movies, music, popular songs and even Zhao Benshan's act on the Spring Festival Gala were connected to Liu Zhongde.

Former Chinese Minister of Culture Liu Zhongde [sina]

According to his biography, he was a former deputy secretary-general at the State Council, former deputy director of the Central Propaganda Department (1990-1998), former Minister of Culture (1992-1998) and he is presently a member of the standing committee of the National Political Consultative Committee.

Since joining the National Political Consultative Committee, he has rarely spoken in public about what he thought and did during his tenure.

Who is Liu Zhongde? What kind of person is Liu Zhongde? What are his values? In the 1990's, how did he participate in and manage ideological work in China?

One thing for certain is that during the 1990's, he was someone who personally experienced and promoted ideological control in Chinese culture. He personally knew all about the bitterness, glory and shame. His own assessment of himself is: "I have a clear conscience, and they can say anything they want about me."

On July 9, 16, 23, 30 and 31, 2006, our newspaper interviewed Liu Zhongde on five occasions for over 15 hours. We want to bring back a more realistic portrayal of Liu Zhongde.