A senior military leader yesterday called for substantial efforts to prevent crime in the ranks, in a bid to promote safety, stability and modernization in the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

General Xu Caihou, member of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), was speaking to a group of army representatives at a national conference on public security.

Also present was General Li Jinai, CMC member and chief of the PLA General Political Department. Seven units and 14 individuals from the PLA and the Chinese People's Armed Police were awarded for their contribution to maintaining social stability.

In his speech, Xu said the CPC Central Committee and CMC Chairman Hu Jintao are greatly concerned about social stability and stability of the army. Hu's instructions are of great importance for the army in preventing crime and maintaining stability, he added.

The army is a major force for maintaining social stability in China, he said. The government should implement laws and regulations strictly and increase cooperation between the army and civilian departments.

(Xinhua News Agency May 26, 2005)