A crackdown is to begin against "black workshops" that make and sell fake and shoddy foods and medicines, "black factories" that produce and deal in fake and shoddy means of subsistence, "black markets" that buy and sell stolen goods, as well as "black hideouts" that involve pornography, gambling and drugs.

The latest campaign is portrayed as a response to the public security authorities' recent initiative to listen to public opinion, which, if that is indeed the case, demonstrates good interaction between them and society at large.

Since the "four evils" constitute serious dangers to public health and security, and at the same time threaten public order, a resolute crackdown has every reason to be applauded by the general public. And, considering the effect such vices have on our everyday life, everybody will be more than happy to see them eliminated.

From now until year's end, in what it calls "stage one", the Ministry of Public Security wants a number of cases investigated and people brought to justice. Next year and beyond, the focus will be shifted onto building long-term mechanisms.

The blueprint looks good, particularly the emphasis on "long-term" solutions. Judging from this alone, it sounds much better than many similar short-term campaigns that have been introduced previously. Also commendable is the ministry not promising to have everything done in a single battle.

Still, we have worries about the approach. While it will be good to strike a fatal blow against the "four vices", we also know there are plenty of other things, just as important, that need taking care of. What about those?

As always, the Ministry of Public Security has promised to concentrate on a number of major cases, and announced a few "key areas" to pay special attention to.

But unless the envisioned "long-term" mechanisms are truly forthcoming, there will be little lasting value to the crackdown, as short-term campaigns have failed to deliver real solutions to the problems.

It is worth pointing out that most of such "periodical battles" would be unnecessary if the authorities carried out their everyday duties as they are supposed to.

The "four vices" would not have developed into major public concerns had they been properly taken care of early on. They are a headache today, either because our police officers did not respond promptly and adequately, or they were preoccupied with other "short-term priorities".

Since the Ministry of Public Security has determined to initiate a new campaign, we hope this one is different.