Written by by Yuanyue Dangin at scmp.com
China’s top police officer has made a rare comment on economic matters with a call for better risk management and stability.
The emphasis on economic growth by a senior official in charge of other areas may indicate that meeting this year’s 5 per cent growth target is becoming increasingly challenging.
Wang’s comments echo recent calls by President Xi Jinping for “full efforts” to this quarter’s economic targets.
Speaking during a trip to the northern port city of Tianjin, Wang and told officials: “Do a good job in preventing risk, ensuring security and maintaining stability, and achieve a virtuous interaction between high-quality development and a high level of safety.”
Official reports mentioned Wang’s role as state councillor and a member of the General Secretariat of the Communist Party’s Central Committee, highlighting his status within the government and the party, without referring to his title as the police chief.
Wang’s previous domestic inspection tours have mostly focused on the work of law enforcement and national security.
During the Tianjin visit, he also said the police should work well with other government departments and do more to improve people’s livelihoods.
China’s public security authorities have repeatedly pledged this year to “serve and safeguard the high-quality development of the economy and society” through their work.