President Xi Jinping has made no secret of his love for traditional Chinese culture by frequently quoting classic Chinese literature, most recently urging that Chinese classic poems and essays be kept in high school textbooks.

On Wednesday, he became the first Chinese president to address an international meeting on the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius (551-479 BC), Xi's latest high-profile effort to promote a culture observers said could be an answer to problems in a rising China, particularly in governance and morality.

China must preserve and develop its culture and promote exchanges between civilizations to make the world a better place, Xi said.