China will firmly safeguard its state sovereignty, territorial integrity and sovereign rights over seas and oceans, said State Councilor Zhou Yongkang at a national workshop on defense of border and sea areas Tuesday in Beijing.

Zhou, who is a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the national committee on defense of border and sea areas, urged local border and sea defense committees at all levels to do a better job by cherishing past experiences and making innovations.

The defense of border and sea areas is part of the efforts to build up a harmonious socialist society in the country, he said.

The meeting was attended by relevant leaders from major area commands of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and provincial-level border and sea defense committees.

(Xinhua News Agency November 16, 2005)