Chinese State Councilor Chen Zhili said in Suzhou Monday that heritage protection will remain a priority of the Chinese government and China will continue to fight against all kinds of illegal activities that threaten heritage conservation.

As a developing country which is endeavoring to build a relatively prosperous society in an all-round way, China has recognized the importance of improving cultural and natural heritage protection, Chen said in a speech at the opening ceremony of the 28th Session of the UNESCO's World Heritage Committee.

She said China has set up a principle which puts conservation and salvation of heritage at the first place and requests reasonable utilization and strengthened administration of the heritages, and the country has made efforts to mobilize all social sectors into the cause of heritage conservation.

"We have constantly increased investment in heritage protection, established a calamity prevention system for heritages, and have been fighting against the offenses including poaching, environment damaging and illegal digging, stealing or smuggling of cultural relics," she said.

In addition, the State Councilor said China is making more efforts in improving relevant laws and regulations, and strengthening law enforcement and supervision work.

(Xinhua News Agency June 28, 2004)