Xiao Yang, president of the Supreme People's Court, made the remarks during a meeting attended by presidents of local courts.

Courts should intensify this crackdown on criminals to impress upon the criminals and the public the importance of public safety. The judge specifically referred to gang crime, violent crime such as explosion, homicide, robbery and kidnapping, and thefts.

The top judge also warned that any official who shelters gangs or even takes part in gang crime will receive severe punishment according to laws.

Still, even with the crackdown, Xiao said, the court must handle these cases properly.

Xiao's remarks came at a time when a number of crimes, including the explosions in north China's city of Shijiazhuang in March, brought the public safety issue into the news.

Some 108 people were killed in the explosions in the city. Police arrested four suspects and detained another nine who are believed to be involved in the crime.

Earlier this week, President Jiang Zemin, at a high-profile meeting in Beijing, also called for intensified efforts to make the public safer.

Xiao, during yesterday's meeting, urged the courts to put more efforts in stopping smuggling, fraud and crime that harms the financial order.

Other crimes Xiao mentioned included tax evasion, foreign exchange fraud, the violation of intellectual property rights, production of fake and shoddy products and dereliction that result in major accidents in production.

The courts will strengthen its battle against crimes committed by companies, institutions and organizations that upset the economic order, Xiao said.

Apart from fines imposed on the companies and institutions that violate laws, people responsible for the crime will also be punished, Xiao added.

(chinadaily.com.cn 04/05/2001)