More channels should be set up for the public to air their grievances, and local governments must exercise restraint when dealing with social order issues, a senior official said on Monday.

Speaking at a conference in Zhejiang province, Zhou Yongkang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and former public security minister, said it is essential that potential social order problems are "nipped in the bud".

Also, people should be provided with proper outlets to air their views and grievances, he said.

"More channels should be opened to solicit public opinion and local governments should spare no effort to solve people's problems," Zhou said.

His comments came in the wake of the recent taxi-driver strikes, the riots in Longnan, Gansu province, and protests by laid-off workers in Guangdong.

At a separate meeting on Monday, Public Security Minister Meng Jianzhu spoke of the threat of "social problems affecting stability under the current circumstances".

"Many factors exist that can trigger crime," he said.

Preventing problems from getting out of hand is key, and officials must be sober-minded and realize the importance of safeguarding social stability, he said.

Commentators have said Zhou's and Meng's statements are indicative of the central government's growing concern that the financial crisis could spark further social unrest.

Wang Taiyuan, a professor at the Chinese People's Public Security University, said that the current economic situation could intensify existing conflicts and create new ones.

While senior police officials have long spoken of the need to "nip problems in the bud", police departments across the country must also standardize procedures for law enforcement to avoid aggravating conflicts, he said.

"They have to be more cautious in the way they act," he said.

However, maintaining social order must not be achieved at the expense of the legitimate rights and interests of the people, Wang said.

"Protecting the rights of the people is a fundamental requirement."

Questions:

1. According to Zhou Yongkang, what should the government do to prevent social unrest?

2. Name three events that recently happened, causing social unrest.

3. According to Wang Taiyuan, what must police departments across the country do?

Answers:

1. Provide more channels for people to air their views and grievances.

2. Taxi-driver strikes, riots in Longnan, Gansu province and protests by laid-off workers in Guangdong.

3. They should standardize procedures for law enforcement to avoid aggravating conflicts.