Chinese premier promises to control economic growth
(agencies/chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2004-03-14 19:12

China's premier said Sunday that China's fast-growing economy is at ``a critical juncture'' and promised vigorous controls to prevent it from spinning out of control.

Premier Wen Jiabao meets the press on March 14 after the closing ceremony of the 2nd session of the 10th National People's Congress and answers their questions about China's economy, politics and foreign policy. [newsphoto]

In a news conference following the annual session of the legislature, the National People's Congress, Wen also reiterated his government's stance against Taiwanese independence days before a referendum designed by Taiwan authorities.

Wen, who as premier oversees both the government and the economy, was peppered with questions about China's 9.1 percent economic growth in 2003 and fears the economy might be overheating while leaving millions of poor Chinese behind.

He reiterated themes he outlined at the beginning of the legislative session earlier this month - making development more even and ensuring farmers and the countryside receive the attention they need to enjoy the boom now focused on eastern China.

``The Chinese economy is at a critical juncture,'' Wen said. ``Deep-seated problems and imbalances in the economy over the years have not been fundamentally resolved.''

He cited shortages in energy and raw materials and a decrease in grain output for ``quite a number of years.'' Wen said rising prices are also a problem and that economic controls - while difficult - must be enforced in the name of stability.

``All these problems must be addressed appropriately. This presents an important challenge to the government,'' Wen said. ``If we fail to manage the situation well, setbacks to the economy will be inevitable.''

Taiwan Referendum Opposed

On the Taiwan question, Wen said:``Some people in the Taiwan authorities have been trying to push for a referendum on Taiwan independence based on the pretense on democracy.''

``They have undermined this universally recognized principle of one China and threatened stability in the Taiwan Straits.''

In his December visit to the United States US President George W. Bush discouraged Taiwan from holding the referendum, saying it would upset the status quo. ``I didn't use force to scare President Bush into this,'' said Wen, who praised Bush for his support.

Never Seek Hegemony

Wen said a China ascendant was not a threat and that the Beijing leadership had no desire to dominate the region at the expense of other smaller nations.

``China has 5,000 years of history. We had a glorious past, but we also suffered humiliation and subjugation,'' Wen said. ``The rise of China and its rejuvenation are the dreams of many Chinese people of many generations.''

China will take full advantage of the good opportunity of world peace to develop itself and at the same time safeguard world peace with its development.

The premier said China's rise will be based on its own strength and self reliance, as well as the vast domestic market, abundant human resources and abundant natural resources.

Noting China's rise could not be achieved without the rest of the world, Wen said the country must always maintain its open policy and always develop economic and trade exchanges with all friendly countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefits.

China's rise, which would require a lot time and probably efforts of several generations, will not stand in the way of any other country, nor pose threat to any other country, nor at the cost of any other country, Wen said.

"China does not seek hegemony now, nor will it seek hegemony even after it became powerful," Wen said.

Continuous Support to HK

Responding to a journalist from Hong Kong, the Premier said that the central government will do everything conducive to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and to the common development of Hong Kong and the inland of China.

"Our principle is that whatever is conducive to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, to the common development of Hong Kong and the inland, we will actively do it and give our full support to it," he said when answering a question from Hong Kong press.

The premier said the central government holds an active attitude toward the upcoming issuance of 20 billion Hong Kong dollars of bonds in Hong Kong.

The premier attended a ceremony last June in Hong Kong where the agreement on the Mainland-Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) was signed.

Wen reiterated that the central government will unsparingly uphold the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy as well as the Basic Law of Hong Kong.

The premier hoped that Hong Kong residents can be more united and work together for a better future.

"I sincerely hope that Hong Kong residents can take into consideration the broad situation of the long-term prosperity and stability as well as the long-term and fundamental interests of Hong Kong residents, be united and work together with firm determination for a better future of Hong Kong," he said.

Party Abiding by Constitution

Responding to a question by a German journalist about the amended Constitution, Wen said the Constitution and laws will not be changed according to changes of state leaders or changes in the leaders' attention.

The leading officials of the Communist Party of China and all Party members should play an exemplary role in abiding by the Constitution and laws, said the Premier.

He stressed two principles that the Party leads the people in making the Constitution and laws, and leading Party officials and all Party members should play an exemplary role in implementing the Constitution and laws.

The amendment to the Constitution is of great significance for China's development, he said, adding that it had just passed at the national legislature's annual session with an overwhelming support, which is a reflection of the will of the entire people.

He highlighted the incorporation into the Constitution the important thought of "Three Respects" together with Marxism- Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought and Deng Xiaoping theory as the guiding ideology for the Party and the nation, saying that it has profound and far-reaching significance.