BEIJING, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- A draft regulation on protecting the Great Wall was discussed Wednesday and ratified in principle by the executive meeting of the State Council, with Premier Wen Jiabao in the chair.

The meeting proclaimed that the Great Wall is a world cultural heritage site and the symbol of the Chinese nation. Better protection of the Great Wall will help promote patriotism and play an important role in developing spiritual values.

The draft regulation on Great Wall protection conforms to the law on the protection of cultural relics.

The draft regulation said the protection and refurbishment of the Great Wall should adhere to the principle of "preserving the original appearance". A general guideline for protecting the Great Wall will be framed in the near future.

The draft regulation defined the duties of relevant local governments in protecting the Great Wall and called on all sections of society to devote them to the task.

Commercial exploitation of the Great Wall will be strictly regulated, said the draft regulation.

The meeting said the State Council would promulgate the regulation after further revision. Enditem