BEIJING, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- China's central authorities have called for improving people-to-people exchanges with foreign countries, according to a guideline released Thursday.

The guideline, issued by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, said that the development of people-to-people exchanges has promoted mutual learning among civilizations.

To improve people-to-people exchanges, China should stick to the principles of equality, mutual benefit, openness, inclusiveness, multilateralism, taking initiative, reform and innovation, and be people-oriented.

The guideline also urges giving full play to head-of-state diplomacy, summit diplomacy and high-level people-to-people exchanges so as to attract more countries to participate in exchange programs.

It points out that the content of people-to-people exchanges should be enriched and extended, and the country should support exchange programs on intangible cultural heritage, including Chinese language, traditional Chinese medicine, martial arts, Chinese festivals and customs.

It is also important to encourage the development of study abroad programs and Chinese-foreign cooperatively run schools, as well as cooperation and innovation among Chinese-foreign colleges, universities and scientific research institutions.

Exchanges of cultural relics, art, books, films, music and sports events should also be increased, according to the guideline.

Overseas Chinese and Chinese students overseas, as well as those working in Chinese enterprises abroad, should be encouraged to participate in people-to-people exchange programs.

The guideline asks for promotion of the Chinese language and to support more countries to incorporate the Chinese language into their education systems.

It promises to share China's experience in poverty reduction, education and the health sector with the international community, and to step up assistance to developing countries.