President Xi Jinping held a rare, high-profile symposium on Tuesday on building up philosophy and the social sciences, marking Beijing's latest effort to beef up its soft power and push for a larger say on the world stage.

Addressing about 150 people, most of whom are leading figures in philosophy, history, Marxism and economics, Xi called for "more independent and innovative theories and ideas" that will take root from China's reality.

It was the first time that China's top leader hosted such a seminar on philosophy and the social sciences. It was the third seminar held by Xi this year about the country's cultural sector. The first was Xi's February speech about the role of China's media, and the second was his seminar in April on the nation's internet industry.