Zhou Yongkang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the C.C., Communist Party of China and secretary of the Central Commission of Politics and Law, in his speech made at a seminar of leading officials of ministries and departments on social management and innovations on Feb. 20 stressed the need to strengthen the social management and bring about innovations in it.

He called on the officials to study hard the important speeches of General Secretary Hu Jintao and strengthen social management and bring about innovations in it as required by the new development of economy and society. It is necessary to establish a socialist social management system of Chinese characteristics, consolidate the ruling position of the party and protect the fundamental interests of the people to ensure long-term stability of the country, he added.

He underlined the need for all the provinces and fields to thoroughly implement the scientific outlook on development and rapidly change the mode of economic development and pay greater attention to the improvement of the people's standard of living and social equality.