Constructing a society governed by law is the key to social stability as well as the happiness of the people, a senior Party leader said on Monday.

Hu Chunhua, Party secretary of Guangdong province, said that social stability is the main task for governments at all levels, and the Party leaders must take charge in maintaining social stability.

Criminals must be strictly punished in accordance with the law, and justice must be guaranteed, he said.

Hu made the remarks during a meeting discussing maintaining social stability attended by judicial officials of Guangdong province, the Southern Metropolis Daily reported.

Hu is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, which has 25 members.