BEIJING, Jan. 31(Xinhuanet)-- The mutual support between the military and the government and people should be further strengthened, Chinese Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu said here Monday.

The vice-premier stressed the"extreme importance" of strengthening the mutual support, saying it is a major part of the nationwide efforts to build a harmoniou s society.

It creates the unique political advantage of the Party and military that the military supports the government and cherishes the people and the government and people support the military and give preferential treatment to families of soldiers and martyrs, Hui said at a national conference on the work.

Hui, also head of the national leading group on"mutual support", said a lot of progress had been made in this field in 2004, particularly in the fight against frequent natural disasters.

"The army and civilians have worked closely together to safeguard state property and the people's interests in the face ofnatural disasters," which he said best displayed the tremendous strength of the military and civilians united as one.