BEIJING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- China President Hu Jintao has urged the government to provide improved public services for the country's citizens.

    Addressing an assembly of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Saturday in Beijing, Hu said building a service-oriented government was key to social harmony and to government building.

    He urged government officials at all levels to devote themselves in building a government "by the people, for the people", and one that ensures all Chinese enjoy the fruits of the country's economic development.

    "The government should provide education for the young, medication for the ill, care for the old-aged and housing for the homeless."

    Hu said the key to building a service-oriented government is to improve people's livelihood. He called for establishing a social welfare system that provides equal coverage to all Chinese.

    He said the government would invest more in the public service sector in future, and would gauge government officials' performances in promoting public service as reference to their accomplishments and responsibilities.

    He called on all government officials to be loyal to the people and serve them wholeheartedly.