Public safety is the top concern of local leaders attending the Fortune Global Forum, underscoring the strains created by rapid industrial and urban development.
Beijing Mayor Wang Qishan said ensuring public safety was a top priority as the capital approached the 2008 Olympics.
He said the accelerated pace of infrastructure development and the repositioning of Beijing for more sustainable development were creating new stresses.
Tianjin Mayor Dai Xianglong said he was worried about the risk of industrial accidents at the city's chemical plants.
'I fear the phone ringing after midnight to report accidents,' he said. 'Fortunately, it hasn't happened.'
Industrial disasters were also on the mind of Chen Deming , governor of Shaanxi province , whose own 'nightmare' was coal mine accidents.