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Chinese officials told to read more

BEIJING, May 13 (UPI) -- Chinese officials have been told to read more books as they are "of vital importance to human advancement."

The plea came from Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, seen as the person most likely to succeed Hu Jintao as president of the country in 2012.

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Speaking Wednesday at a seminar of the Party School of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Xi told the officials, "Books are carrying human knowledge and wisdom and are of vital importance to human advancement," Xinhua news agency reported.

Xi, who is also a member of the powerful Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, asked the officials to read enlightening books so as to help build the party.

He described reading and study as "life attitude, responsibility and spiritual pursuit" which would help the officials gain inspiration and expand their mental outlook.

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