Zhou Yongkang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, made the comment during a symposium here held upon the publication of a book on the socialist rule of law.

    China had seen remarkable economic development in the past six decades, especially after the reform and opening up drive 30 years ago, Zhou said.

    However, the imbalance of incomes between different parts in the country, as well as between the urban and rural areas, and different social classes had given rise to a large number of social disputes, he said.

    The country need to make government officials stick to the rule of law to protect social justice, and to guide the public to use the laws to safeguard their rights, he said.

    He urged authorities to strengthen law education among the public, to guide all members of the public to contribute to social stability and the socialist rule of law.