BEIJING -- The Chinese government published a document encouraging traditional publishing houses to expand their influence in cyberspace on Thursday.

The document, published by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) and Ministry of Finance, proposed to build several digital publishing groups that are strong, influential and credible in three to five years.

The document said traditional and digital publications must complement each other and grow in an integrated way.

Advanced technology and channels must be employed to bring creativity and inject vitality into the integration, according to the document.

It also proposed more government funding related to integration should be invested into the programs.

A statement released by SAPPRFT Thursday said the integration of traditional and digital publications was key to meeting the challenges brought about by the rapid development of information technology.

Additionally, SAPPRFT statement stressed the core socialist values must be reflected in the integration and it must follow right political direction.