BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to resolutely crack down on terrorism and secessionism with high intensity to safeguard national security.

Xi made the remarks on Friday at a group study session on national security and social stability by the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

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Calling terrorism the common enemy of the people, Xi urged improving counter-terrorism systems and abilities and the public to build a "wall of bronze and iron" to fight against terrorism.

"(We must) make terrorists become like rats scurrying across a street, with everybody shouting 'beat them!'" Xi said.

Resolute and decisive measures must be taken and high pressure must be maintained to crack down on violent terrorists who have been swollen with arrogance, he said.

Violent terrorists ignore basic human rights, trample humanism and justice and challenge the bottom-line of human civilization, Xi said.

It is neither an issue of nationality nor one of religion, but the common enemy of people of all nationalities, he said.

Xi also emphasized the fight against secessionism and promotion of ethnic unity and common prosperity.

He called on a resolute strike on secession, infiltration and sabotage by hostile forces within and outside China.

Xi urged all the regions and departments to shoulder responsibilities and cooperate to maintain national security and social stability.