Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji Sunday urged Customs officials at all levels to make continuous and intensified efforts end smuggling.

Zhu, who is also a Standing Committee member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said customs officials should always be prepared for anti-smuggling efforts, and do all in their power to stop smuggling, Zhu said at a national meeting of Customs officials.

Zhu urged Customs officials to collect taxes in a legal manner and fulfill the taxation goal for this year.

He also called for efforts to deepen reforms and strengthen the building of a modern Customs system.

The fact that some Customs officials involved in statutory or disciplinary violations were turned over to the judiciary for punishment shows that the Party and the government have the determination, ability, and means to wipe out corruption, the premier said.

Zhu affirmed the achievements of Customs work last year, and said anti-smuggling efforts and the increase of taxes contributed to increased domestic demand and active fiscal policies, and created a sound market environment for state-owned enterprises.