The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State
Council have called for enhanced efforts to improve public security
through a comprehensive approach.
A
joint circular issued on November 18 by the two authorities, listed
the major threats to social security in China, including
infiltration and sabotage by hostile overseas forces, disturbance
by nationalist splittism forces at home and abroad, religious
extremists and terrorists through their collusion, as well as by
evil cults and criminal gangs.
The circular urges party and government officials at all levels to
assume more responsibility for public security in their areas, and
warned that performance in this regard will be an important factor
in deciding their promotions.
It
underscores the importance of crime prevention, including through
the establishment of a responsible complaint-addressing mechanism,
effective control of weapons, explosives and poisonous substances,
and better management of the transient population.
The circular stresses the strengthening of crime-prevention
networks at the grassroots level. For example, retirees and other
volunteers may be mobilized to help maintain security in their
neighborhoods.
(China
Daily November 19,2001)