BEIJING - A LEADING Chinese official has warned local officials to be 'sober-minded' in maintaining social stability, an increasing concern as China faces the prospect that a struggling export sector could lead to greater unemployment.

Public security minister Meng Jianzhu told a symposium in the eastern city of Changzhou that 'there were lots of social problems affecting stability under the current circumstances'.

The wires agencies said on Monday Mr Meng 'urged local officials to be sober-minded and fully realise the importance and urgency of safeguarding social stability'.

Mr Meng has issued a series of similar warnings this month as the export sector, a key employer especially for millions of migrant workers, began to show signs of strain from the global financial crisis.

Mr Meng told his audience 'to give priority to taking preventative measures and mobilise the public to help curb crimes and foster stability', wires said.

Work should be improved on serving and managing the floating population, preventing juvenile crimes and resettling ex-offenders and prisoners, Mr Meng was quoted as saying. -- REUTERS