On Monday, President Hu Jintao called for continuous efforts to improve public security, saying China needs a harmonious and stable social environment for its development.

"The first 20 years of this century is an important strategic period for China's reforms and development," Hu said at a meeting to honor organizations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to improving public security. "We need a stable social environment to realize our lofty goals in this period."

He described the present public security situation as "good in general," but noted there also "existed some problems that should not be ignored" and that "heavy tasks" lay ahead.

Hu, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, asked all levels of Party committees and governments to pursue the “scientific concept of development” and "correct view of achievements."

The “scientific concept of development” emphasizes putting people first and working hard for all-round, coordinated and sustainable development.

Premier Wen Jiabao and Luo Gan, director of a public security improvement committee, and other high-ranking officials also attended the meeting along with representatives of commended organizations and individuals.

(Xinhua News Agency May 24, 2005)