Xi demands ‘strong hands’ for Communist party’s stability

BEIJING: Stability is an absolute principle that needs to be dealt with using “strong hands”, ChinesePresidentXiJinpinghastold security officials ahead of next month’s key congress of the ruling Communist Party.

Thepartybrooksnochallenge to its rule and steps up security ahead of important meetings.

Those working in the public security sector should improve their political awareness and maintain the authority and unified leadership of the party, Xi said,incommentsreportedbythe official Xinhua news agency on Tuesday. “Xi noted that developmentandstabilityweretheabsolute principles, so both should be dealtwithbystronghands,”Xinhua said.

It is important to prevent and control major risks through the party’s leadership, Xi added.

Moreeffortneedstobeexerted toimprove“socialgovernanceby socialism with Chinese characteristics” to ensure the country enjoys long-term peace and sta- bility, he was cited as saying.

Xi has overseen a crackdown on civil society since he assumed office five years ago, locking up rights lawyers and dissidents who the government accuses of breakingthelawand/orseeking to subvert party rule.

Thepartyalsoremainswaryof whatitterms“massincidents”,a euphemismforprotests,ofwhich therearethousandseveryyearin China,over everything fromillegal land seizures and pollution to corruption.