BEIJING - A symposium was held Wednesday to commemorate the 70th anniversary of a celebrated speech on art and literature delivered by late Chairman Mao Zedong at the former revolutionary base of Yan'an on May 23, 1942.

President Hu Jintao, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said the speech is "a creative combination of the basic principles of Marxism and the practices of Chinese revolutionary art and literature," as well as described it as a "classic document."

Generations of artists have been inspired by the speech to create works that provide "strong spiritual strength" for China's construction and reform, Hu said.

Hu asked artists, writers and playwrights to "review the spirit of the speech" and "serve the people and socialism," adding that all forms of art should enjoy free development.

Mao made the speech at a meeting held in Yan'an to discuss the orientation of Chinese revolutionary art and literature 70 years ago.

The gathering was attended by writers and artists from all over the country. It was estimated that more than 40,000 young academics broke an enemy blockade to attend the meeting.

Li Changchun, a Standing Committee member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the symposium and delivered a speech.