A senior Chinese official on Wednesday called for efforts to safeguard national security and protect the interests of military personnel and their relatives.

Zhou Yongkang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Political Bureau, made the remarks in a ceremony to award units and individuals that have made outstanding contributions in protecting the interests of military staff and their relatives.

China's economy moving in a healthy direction and the society generally stable, he said, adding the country is at the same time challenged by destabilizing factors, particularly from hostile forces at home and abroad.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army and the armed police have played a significant role in safeguarding state security, maintaining social stability and relieving natural disasters over the past few years, he said.

Zhou called for government departments and military authorities to solve practical problems for military staff, their relatives and retired army officers and severely punish misconduct that harms national defense interests or the welfare of military personnel and their relatives.

He also urged efforts to give more spotlight to units and individuals who have made prominent contributions in protecting national defense interests and the legitimate interests of military staff and their relatives.

Source: Xinhua

http://paper.people.com.cn/rmrb/html/2009-07/23/content_302847.htm