(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-10 13:42

Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping has urged local officials to adhere to clean governance and to exercise their power in accordance with the law.

Xi made the remarks during an inspection tour in China's northwest Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in recent days.

Xi urged the local officials to maintain lawful practices and to desist from abusing their power to seek personal benefits.

Rapid and sound economic and social development was the top priority of the Communist Party of China and the country, he said. This was also the focal task of Party and government of Ningxia.

"It is crucial to have a qualified team of cadres and leaders to achieve this task," he said.

"Clean governance, as stressed by President Hu Jintao at the First Session of the 11th NPC, is not only a solemn promise to the people, but also a clear requirement for Party cadres and functionaries," he said.

Xi called on local officials to always bear the people in mind and instructed local governments to strengthen their work among ethnic and religious groups.

"It is very important to consolidate the unity of ethnic groups, to promote social harmony and enhance economic development," he said.

Ningxia is the only autonomous region at provincial level for Hui people in China, with Hui accounting for about a third of the region's population.