Top police officer wants security both online and off

The country's police chief said the rapid development of the Internet has posed a new challenge to maintaining social stability, as he called for a comprehensive security system covering both the real and virtual worlds.

The rare remarks by Minister of Public Security Meng Jianzhu signal more government attention to online opinions but also stricter control on online expression, experts said.

"Currently, the overall social order is good ... but the rapid development of the Internet and loopholes in social management are posing unprecedented challenges to maintaining a stable society," Meng said at a seminar with police chiefs from across the country on Sunday in Hefei, Anhui province, according to a transcript posted on the ministry's website yesterday.