BEIJING - China's police chief Meng Jianzhu has called for efforts to maintain social harmony and stability in the country's border areas and to boost economic and social development in Inner Mongolia.

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Meng, state councilor and minister of public security, made the remarks during an inspection tour in north Inner Mongolia, one of the country's five ethnic autonomous regions, from July 8 to 9.

"As long as we treat the people as our family members, they will consider us as theirs," he told local police officers.

Meng ordered local police to tackle issues of public concern and innovate their way in managing and serving the public so as to create a harmonious and peaceful social environment and sustain long-term social stability.

During the tour, Meng visited police stations in the bordering areas, companies, and herdsmen's home.