Facing the complicated international landscape and confronting with the formidable tasks of reform and development and maintaining stability, we need to keep high vigilance against unexpected "black swan" and "gray rhino" events to forestall and defuse major risks, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday.

President Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when addressing the opening ceremony of a study session at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, with attendance of senior provincial and ministerial officials. 

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The president told senior officials to strengthen their ability in preventing and defusing major risks to ensure sustainable and healthy economic development and social stability.

In his speech, Xi analyzed and raised specific requirements on the prevention and defusion of major risks in areas including politics, ideology, economy, science and technology, society, the external environment and Party building. 

The overall situation of China's economic development is good at present, but there are complex and profound changes the world is facing today, Xi said, adding that China should maintain its strategic focus to steer the domestic economy in the right direction, protect against potential dangers and respond appropriately to major economic risks and challenges.

Noting that science and technology security is an important component of the national security, Xi called for more efforts to improve the national innovation system, strengthen areas of weaknesses, intensify research in leading-edge technologies and accelerate development of major infrastructure facilities and public platforms for science and technology. 

The opening session was presided over by Premier Li Keqiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. 

Also attended Standing Committee members Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji and Han Zheng.

(With inputs from Xinhua)