BEIJING - A senior Chinese official on Monday called for the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), a leading think tank, to research the "Chinese dream."

With this reference to a great renewal of the Chinese nation dominating the zeitgeist, Liu Qibao, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the academy should conduct deep research on socialism with Chinese characteristics.

This would provide academic support for self-confidence in the Chinese path, theories and system, he said.

Researchers in different fields should focus on the requirement to realize the Chinese dream from various perspectives, he said.

Liu urged the 36-year-old CASS to strengthen its basic research and studies for decision-making and consultation so as to become China's top academy of philosophical and social sciences.

He also encouraged the CASS to promote the international influence of Chinese academics with theories and discourse systems that are understandable and convincing for the world.