Senior leader Xi Jinping has pinpointed the criteria for selecting and appointing cadres as the country entered local leadership reshuffles.

Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of Communist Party of China (CPC), made the remarks during his inspection tour in north China's Hebei province between Jan. 11-14.

"The promotion of sound and rapid social and economic development hinges on government officials at various levels," he said.

The CPC's 17th national congress put forward the aim of "increasing public trust in cadre selection and appointment," Xi said, noting that it must be incorporated into practice.

Adhering to correct guidance in appointing cadres, the CPC will promote cadres who stick to the Scientific Outlook on Development and are able to guide their jurisdictions to achieve such development.

The CPC will select excellent cadres from primary-level organizations and the frontline of production to join the CPC and government leading organs at all levels.

The Party will give special attention to cadres who have long been working diligently in places fraught with hardships and difficulties, and promote cadres who do solid work, enjoy popular support and have political integrity, Xi stressed.

Xi called for "creating a clean and upright environment" for the election of new local leaders by firmly preventing and severely punishing misconducts such as selling and buying government posts.

China is going through nationwide leadership elections and reshuffles of legislatures, governments and political advisory bodies at the provincial levels in the first half of this year.

During his tour, Xi has visited villages, companies, communities and small commodities market, held seminars with commoners, and paid special visits to people with financial difficulties.

(Xinhua News Agency January 16, 2008)