State Councilor and Defense Minister Chang Wanquan, on an inspection trip to Southwest China’s Yunnan province, warned of a complex security situation along China’s borders and vowed to step up border control.

Chang stressed the role of Yunnan in national security and border control and its significance to the promotion of the country’s development strategy, such as national security and interests, economic development and social stability.

He also urged establishing a five-in-one mechanism that allows the Communist Party of China, government, armed forces, police and civilians to work together to enhance border control and maintain law and order along the borders.

Such a mechanism should be further improved to adapt to new situations and changes in national defense, Chang said.

And local governments should step up awareness programs among ordinary citizens and create a positive environment to improve people’s lives, he said.