State Councilor and Public Security Minister Guo Shengkun has called upon public security agencies nationwide to proactively adapt themselves to the “new normal” of Chinese economic development and address major social challenges.

Guo made the remarks at an annual conference held on Jan 22 in Beijing, where senior officials including chiefs of public security agencies in all the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities as well as those with the ministry attended.

He urged the agencies to enforce the rule of law, proceed with system building and “exercise effective management and control over various risks”.

The goal is to “consistently improve the capacity to safeguard national security and social stability in the context of the ‘new normal’,” the State Councilor said.

Guo set targets for public security agencies:

* The international fight against terror should be closely monitored and the country’s anti-terrorism actions should be fully implemented.

* Pressing public security problems should be effectively addressed and action taken to make the public feel safer.

* Reforms should be oriented to address public concerns over hot issues, such as the permanent residence system and driving license certification.

* Tough action should be taken against the corrupt.

* Agencies should firmly stick to principles and exercise the full duty to ensure local peace and stability.