Authorities in Shanxi province have declared war against violent criminals who use explosives.
The drive was backed by a Politburo member who called for tougher measures to be taken against crime.
Luo Gan, also the top law and order official, told a plenary session on social order that party and government officials at all levels should live up to 'their political obligation of safeguarding social stability'.
Xinhua quoted Mr Luo as saying major crimes were still a large problem in some parts of the country. He declared war on violent criminals, gangs and separatists.
He also called for special attention to be focused on crimes involving the use of poison and explosives.
Shanxi province has been cracking down on crimes related to explosives for the past two months.
