China's Ministry of Public Security Tuesday urged police nationwide to take initiatives in cracking serious crime cases and solving social conflicts to ensure a safe World Expo in Shanghai.

Vice Minister Huang Ming said police should seriously crack down on illegal activities, including illegal use of guns and explosives, kidnapping of children and women, gang-related crimes and online pornography.

Police in Shanghai and its neighboring regions were asked to reinforce security measures and increase street patrols, and mobilize local residents to ensure a safe environment for the upcoming World Expo.

Huang said the police should learn from Beijing's experience of successfully safeguarding the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 2009.

Police were also asked to visit grassroot level communities and villages to find prominent problems and help relevant authorities settle disputes.

Shanghai's neighboring provinces, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, Fujian, Shandong, Henan and Hubei, would reinforce security checks in air flights and trains, Huang said.

Huang also urged the police to enforce the law in a reasonable and civilized manner and minimize disturbances to the public.

The World Expo, to be hosted by China for the first time, will run from May 1 to Oct. 31. To date, at least 192 countries and 50 international organizations have confirmed their participation in the event that will present the latest advances of architecture and engineering worldwide.

(Xinhua February 24, 2010)