Senior Chinese leader Luo Gan has said China will launch a nationwide crackdown on organized crime to ensure a safe and stable social environment.

Luo, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks at a teleconference held on Wednesday.

"To curb evil forces not only concerns social security, but the CPC's image as well," said Luo, also secretary of the Committee of Political Science and Law under the CPC Central Committee.

He asked party committees, governments and relevant departments at various levels to enhance anti-corruption measures and the party's ruling capacity, and join together to prevent evil forces from undermining China's stability.

He warned of serious repercussions if the local governments and departments did not keep clamping down severely on organized crime.

(Xinhua News Agency February 23, 2006)