Public awareness, social justice and conflict prevention are key, president says

China will take a tough stance against terrorism, as it threatens people and national security, and will improve its counterterrorism systems, President Xi Jinping said on Friday.

Xi made the remarks at a group study on national security and social stability by the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Xinhua news agency reported on Saturday.

"We should unite the people to build a bronze and iron wall against terrorism and make terrorists as unpopular as rats crossing the street that are chased by all," he said.

"Also, we could rely on patriotic religious leaders to guide the followers to stay away from religious extremism and satisfy their religious needs."

Resolute and decisive measures must be taken and pressure must be maintained to crack down on violent terrorists emboldened by arrogance, he said.

Terrorism challenges human rights and the bottom line of human civilization. It is not an ethnic or religious issue but the enemy of all people, he added.

Xi said the battle against separatism in China also relies on people of all ethnic groups, which need to be firmly united. Grassroots authorities must properly use ethnic and religious policies to handle conflicts that affect ethnic unity to prevent foreign forces from using ethnic issues to instigate separatist and sabotage activities.

Zhang Chunxian, Party chief of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region - the front line of China's battle against terrorism - said in March that the penetration of religious extremism has contributed to more terrorist attacks in the region in recent years.

Xi said China's security and stability is facing growing threats and challenges as the country develops and reforms. So authorities must more effectively prevent and manage the risks endangering national security and respond to challenges.

He said governments at all levels must clearly understand the country's new security situation and raise public awareness about national security.

Also, China must attach importance to both external and internal security, homeland security and the safety of its people, as well as traditional and non-traditional threats, he said.

It must prevent and resolve social conflicts, and promote social justice. Authorities must guide people to solve problems through legal procedures, Xi said.

cuijia@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 04/27/2014 page1)