Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered security and intelligence agencies to strictly discipline themselves and to show "firm faith" and "absolute loyalty" to the ruling Communist Party to safeguard national security and social stability.
"National security agencies should strictly discipline themselves and forge a team, which is determined, pure, trustworthy, devoted and competent," Xi said at a meeting with some of the top agents from China's national security agencies.
Since China is facing complicated and fast changing domestic and international environment with huge uncertainty and risks, security agencies have the tough task to safeguard national security and social stability, state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Xi, who is also the General Secretary of the Communist party chairman of the military commission, as saying.
He asked national security agencies to show "firm faith" and "absolute loyalty" to the party.
His strong words came as he currently carried out a major shake up of the military and the CPC launching investigations against thousands officials including some Zhou Yongkong, the national security chief in the previous administration, the highest official to be prosecuted in China in recent years.
China's internal security agencies also faced tough situation in Xinjiang dealing with the separatist East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) which has carried out brutal attacks in and outside the province.
Xi said the central leadership places great importance on national security and the country will step up efforts to prevent activities that compromise national security.
He also called on all party and government departments to value, understand and support the work of the agencies.
Praising the national security agencies and their staff as loyal guardians and dedicated heroes, Xi said the CPC and people will never forget their contribution.
Meng Jianzhu, head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China, pledged that national security agencies will carry out Xi's instructions and follow the undivided leadership of the CPC Central Committee.
Guided by the "overall national security outlook" promoted by Xi, the agencies will learn from their previous achievements and experiences, sharpen their abilities and firmly protect national security and interests, Meng said.
