BEIJING - A top Chinese security official has called on police officers to respect the law and increase their legal knowledge, advocating professionalism and a refined work style among officers.

Meng Jianzhu, secretary of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, told a meeting held on Monday that police officers should promote their awareness of the rule of law and respect the law.

Calling procurators, judicial and public security officers the "builders" and "defenders" of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, Meng said they should be politically reliable and loyal to the Party.

He asked them to address issues that hinder judicial justice, respond to public concerns regarding judicial fairness and transparency, and make efforts to increase judicial openness.

To increase the credibility of law enforcement and judicial authorities, Meng said it is important to promote judicial fairness and oppose judicial corruption.

To ensure that judicial power is exercised according to the law, Meng stressed the importance of supervision from the Party, the media and the public.