China needs to enhance innovative capabilities to tackle economic woes during the global financial crisis, a senior political advisor said on Saturday afternoon.

Li Wuwei, executive vice chairman of the Central Committee of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomingtang, made the remarks at a plenary meeting of the Second Session of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Li, also vice chairperson of the CPPCC National Committee, said innovation is a must in China's fight against the financial crisis.

The country should build its own brands, and develop its own core technologies so as to reduce its dependence on foreign economies, he said.

He proposed that the country turn to creative industries, such as online games, in times of the crisis, quoting them as a "warm current in the winter of economic downturn."

He urged the country to make more policies in favor of the development of the creative industries, and to better protect intellectual properties.

A national association for the creative industry should also be set up to help facilitate the industry's development and international exchange.

(Xinhua News Agency March 7, 2009)