The Chinese government will step up earthquake monitoring and forecasting measures this year, and improve emergency capabilities, Vice Premier Hui Liangyu said Monday.

He told a conference of officials and experts sponsored by the State Council that the Chinese people achieved a great victory in dealing with last year's May 12 earthquake under the staunch leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission, as well as the direct leadership of the State Council's general headquarters for earthquake relief.

Hui, deputy head of the general headquarters, urged all areas and departments to vigorously support the rehabilitation work in the quake zone.

He also called for the modernization of seismological monitoring network and efforts nationwide to create greater public awareness of earthquake risks.

(Xinhua News Agency January 13, 2009)