A high-ranking military offical has asked China's military and armed police to ensure stability in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region during a recent trip to the country's westernmost region.

Guo Boxiong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), told the military and armed police stationed in Xinjiang to be aware of the region's importance and their responsibilities in safeguarding social stability in Xinjiang.

Guo asked the military to remain sober-minded and help promote unity among people of different ethnic groups.

Guo asked the army and armed police to maintain a high level of ideological, political and action unity with the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and resolutely follow instructions of the CPC Central Committee, the CMC and CMC Chairman Hu Jintao.