Security a priority of Expo: Shanghai Party Chief

SHANGHAI: The government must mobilize the public to safeguard security, which is the priority of the Shanghai World Expo, the top Shanghai official said Wednesday.

The measures to ensure a secure Expo need understanding and support from the public, said Yu Zhengsheng, secretary of the Communist Party of China Shanghai Municipal Committee. "We can minimize the elements of potential dangers only if we trust, rely on and mobilize the grassroot organizations and the public."

Yu made the remarks at the ongoing annual session of the municipal advisory body.

The measures in safeguarding security and smooth traffic would interrupt the citizens' daily life. The government should seek public opinions and understanding to hold a successful Expo, he said.

"We should call for citizens to carry as few bags as possible or even no bags when traveling by subway so as to reduce the pressure on security checks," he said.

The 2010 World Expo will be held from May 1 to October 31 in Shanghai, expected to attract an record total of 70 million visitors.