Chinese President Hu Jintao has called for more efforts in building an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly society.

At a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Hu said the Party and society must realize the importance and urgency of energy efficiency, which is the foundation of the survival and development of human society.

Saving resources and energy was crucial for China in pursuit of sustainable development and economic and national security. It required more attention and effort for the sake of the nation and future generations, he said.

During the 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-2010), energy efficiency should be realized in all sectors and through production, distribution and consumption. Progress should be made in a short period.

Production that seriously polluted the environment and consumed resources must be eliminated, and public awareness of energy saving and environmental protection should be raised, he said.

Moreover, regulations regarding energy efficiency should be made or modified and supervision and enforcement of law should be strengthened, said Hu.

Energy saving was a long-term task, and called for strong leadership by local Party committees and governments and better management of companies, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 27, 2006)