BEIJING, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Thursday said that more Chinese books should be exported.

Liu Qibao, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks at a meeting concerning the "going out" of Chinese books.

Liu called for a better understanding of the needs of foreign readers, and more focus on the thoughts and themes of books, so that the world gains insight into the Chinese spirit and values.

Exporting more books will expose Chinese culture to the outside world, according to Liu, who added that Chinese stories must be told well and build a good national image.

Books exported overseas should vividly embody the values and thoughts of contemporary Chinese, and reflect the progress of the country, said Liu.

He also called for cooperation with foreign publishing institutions and new channels that would help to introduce Chinese literature to the outside world.