Xi: Security of nation a priority

All-out efforts needed to maintain the safety of China, president says

President Xi Jinping called on Friday for all-out efforts to improve China's national security.

He told a national security seminar in Beijing that the government will strengthen its capability for safeguarding the country's safety through the introduction of new technologies, equipment, laws, mechanisms and professionals.

Xi, also chairman of the National Security Commission, said security in politics, the economy, sovereignty, society and the internet are priorities.

He urged the government to enhance cyberspace security, asking for better protection of key infrastructure and more investment in core technologies.

Xi also asked government agencies to closely monitor security issues of the internet and big data and to respond to emergencies in a timely manner.

The president said the world is still witnessing multipolarization of geopolitics, economic globalization and democratization of international relations. China should continue to guide the international community toward a new order that is more just and reasonable.

He told officials to maintain their "strategic focus, strategic confidence and strategic patience" in dealing with national security affairs, no matter how the international situation changes.

Xi also asked officials to improve public security and to uproot the sources of conflict among members of the public. In addition, he said the government should take good care of national security professionals.

The seminar was held to solicit opinions and suggestions from those attending, to analyze the national security situation and to determine related measures, according to Xi.

Premier Li Keqiang and top legislator Zhang Dejiang, the two deputy heads of the NSC, were also at the meeting.

Guo Shengkun, public security minister, Zhang Yesui, vice-foreign minister, Jiang Chaoliang, Party chief of Hubei, and his counterpart in Xinjiang, Chen Quanguo, spoke at the seminar.

Strengthening national security has been one of Xi's priorities since he became top leader in November 2012.

In November 2013, the National Security Commission was set up.

In April 2014, Xi published his vision for an overall national security outlook.

In May 2015, Xi met with members of national security authorities who were awarded decorations.

In July the same year, China enacted the National Security Law, which sets April 15 as National Security Awareness Day.

zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn