BEIJING - A new type of think tanks with Chinese characteristics would support development and strengthen soft power, according to a guideline issued Tuesday.

The guideline by the general offices of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council said that by 2020, think tanks must clearly define their positions and specialties, with the aim of several think tanks wielding major global influence.

Think tanks should stick to Marxist ideology, follow the CPC's leadership and provide intellectual support to help rejuvenate the nation, according to the guideline. Intellectual resources are the most precious. Although China's think tanks have improved in recent years, they have failed to keep up with the times.

There are no high-end think tanks with major influence and global prestige; research results are limited; resources are not appropriately allocated and there are few prominent leading figures, the guideline said.

Strategic issues and public policies will be the main fields of endeavor, supporting the Party and government in making policy and decisions. Think tanks should be non-profitable.

The guideline proposed 50 to 100 think tanks become high-end think tanks with specialties.

The guideline also called for system reform by hiring foreign experts, building overseas branches of Chinese think tanks, and strengthening international cooperation.