BEIJING -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has urged officials to be more responsible and dedicated in receiving and resolving public complaints and petitions so as to reduce social tension.

"China's at a critical point in its development, in which certain problems may loom large," said Wen at the sixth national conference on petition work which was held in Beijing on March 27-28.

According to the State Bureau for Letters and Calls, the government body handling public complaints, issues such as land expropriation for public and commercial use, environmental protection and company restructuring were the issues of most concern to the public.

Wen said officials should act lawfully and with consideration, responsibility and dedication when handling public petitions and complaints.

"To build a harmonious society, we need to learn to resolve problems and turn negative situations into positive ones," he said.