Xi Jinping tells Chinese police they must maintain social stability ahead of politically sensitive Tiananmen anniversary
- Chinese leader hosts first public security conference since 2003 to highlight officers’ role in maintaining social stability
- Observers suggest event may be way of preparing for possible unrest amid US trade war
Chinese President Xi Jinping has told the country’s police to demonstrate greater loyalty to the Communist Party and strengthen their efforts to maintain social stability.
Xi chaired a two-day national public security conference that started in Beijing on Tuesday and used the occasion to tell officers they must “actively prevent and appropriately resolve” conflicts in society, according to the official news agency Xinhua.
Xi’s message comes as the country faces a number of politically sensitive dates this year – including the 30th anniversary of the bloody Tiananmen Square crackdown in June and the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic in October – along with the prospect of increased instability as a result of the trade war with the US.
A retired official from the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs said it was the first national public security conference held in the country since 2003 and Xi’s attendance and speech underscored his priorities for the police.
“The message is very clear. That he has chosen to speak to the police directly meaning he takes maintaining social stability and the tasks ahead very seriously,” the official said.
In his speech, Xi also talked about the use of new technology in maintaining law and order and the building of a clean police force and stressed that any officials who offered protection to criminals and gangs would not be tolerated.