BEIJING, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- A senior Chinese leader Thursday urged authorities at all levels to step up efforts to address people's complaints and maintain social stability ahead of the 60th founding anniversary of new China.

    Zhou Yongkang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Political Bureau, made the remarks at a meeting on safeguarding the country's stability and addressing people's complaint letters and calls.

    Local authorities should realize the significance of dissolving social conflicts and promoting anti-terrorism awareness among the people, Zhou said, adding that the peaceful situation should be maintained in Xinjiang, where a deadly riot in early July left 197 people dead and more than 1,600 others injured.

    The overall situation in the country is generally good, however, social conflicts still exist due to a lot of factors at home and abroad and problems that affect social stability have emerged from time to time, he said.

    "We have to be clearly aware of the extreme importance of safeguarding stability ... and all tasks of safeguarding stability must be done in a down-to-earth attitude," Zhou said.

    He called for more efforts to safeguard social stability in Xinjiang.

    Efforts should be made to avoid unrest and drive forward the economic and social development of the region, he said.

    Zhou also underlined security efforts ahead of new China's 60th founding anniversary, which falls on Oct. 1.

    Priorities should be given to key areas and more efforts are needed to address people's complaint letters and calls, solve reasonable demands of the people according to law and regulations.

    Strengthened efforts are needed to enhance the fight against terrorism, promote anti-terrorism awareness in society and resolutely guard against terrorist activities, he said.

    He said it was important to rectify specifically areas and social sectors with slack management, poor social services and weak public security measures so as to reduce inharmonious elements.

    Education on patriotism, national unity and rule of law should be promoted among the people so as to create a united and positive environment, he added.