BEIJING, April 26 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to resolutely crack down on terrorism and secessionism with high intensity to safeguard national security.

Xi made the remarks on Friday at the 14th group study session on national security and social stability by the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Calling terrorism the common enemy of the people, Xi urged improving counter-terrorism systems and abilities and the public to build a "wall of bronze and iron" to fight against terrorism.

"(We must) make terrorists become like rats scurrying across a street, with everybody shouting 'beat them!'" Xi said.

Resolute and decisive measures must be taken and high pressure must be maintained to crack down on violent terrorists who have been swollen with arrogance, he said.

Violent terrorists ignore basic human rights, trample humanism and justice and challenge the bottom-line of human civilization, Xi said.

It is neither an issue of nationality nor one of religion, but the common enemy of people of all nationalities, he said.

Xi also emphasized the fight against secessionism and promotion of ethnic unity and common prosperity.

He called on a resolute strike on secession, infiltration and sabotage by hostile forces within and outside China.

Xi urged all regions and departments to shoulder responsibilities and cooperate to maintain national security and social stability which are "extremely urgent" for deepening reforms and realizing the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.

While China has managed to remain stable in providing a sound environment for reforms and opening-up, threats and challenges to the country's national security and social stability are increasing and reinforcing each other, he warned.

We must keep a clear mind and effectively prevent, manage and settle these security risks, he said.

To implement the overall national security outlook, China must attach importance to both external and internal security, homeland security and the safety of its people as well as traditional and non-traditional security, he said.

China must pay attention to both development and security, as well as its own security and common security, he added.

To safeguard national security, China must promote development in a more comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable way and improve people's livelihood so as to eliminate sources of social conflicts, Xi said.

He also called on perfecting systems to protect people's legal rights and the rule of law so that social conflicts can be settled through legal means effectively.