URUMQI, July 18 -- Vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission Xu Qiliang has urged troops stationed in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to help local people in practical things to help stabilize the region.

He made the remarks during an inspection tour in Xinjiang. Xu said that troops in the region should form genuine friendships with local people, and help them with practical task.

"Mass work" can consolidate people from different ethnic groups to make contributions to long-term peace and stability, and troops in Xinjiang should help local people to clean their yards, or harvest their crops, for example.

In the meantime, Xu called for better publicity for ethnic and religious policy and advocating modern civilization, while exposing the harm done by religious extremists and separatists.

Xu said publicity work should be carried out at the grassroots, and reach religious sites, schools, villages and households.