A Chinese expert gave Thursday a detailed description of the role that the Chinese government should play during the country's ongoing process of building a harmonious society.

The protection of civil rights, scientific guidance of social and economic development and several other issues should be given special attention, said Bo Guili, professor with the China National School of Administration, when addressing a conference.

First, the Chinese government should do its best to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the citizens, he said.

"It should be one of the government's priorities to safeguard and create conditions to help the realization of the basic rights of the citizens," said Bo, "which is a prerequisite for the construction of a harmonious society in China."

Otherwise, Bo noted, there would appear various types of contradictions, conflicts and even clashes leading to grave challenges to stability and harmony.

At the same time, the Chinese government should guide the country's economic and social development in a scientific way, said Bo, claiming that modern social sciences such as economics and sociology have made the mission possible.

At the core one of all its functions, the Chinese government should provide more public products and services to meet the growing social needs for them, he said.

Bo stressed the Chinese government should also conduct reasonable controls over the nation's social and economic development.

Finally, Bo said, the Chinese government should help form a mutually beneficial relationship among different social groups who are open to each other.

Source: Xinhua