The call by Mr Hu was during an address to thousands of Communist party members participating in commemoration of Beijing's decision 30 years ago to adopt the economic reforms that resulted in the surge in China's economy.
“We must be clearly aware that development is of overriding importance and stability is our overriding task. If there is no stability, then nothing can be achieved, and what achievements we have made will be lost,” he said.
China's leadership has launched a series of measures to try to shore up the country's economy as they brace for increasing numbers of people losing their jobs and the potential for ensuing unrest.