Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) speaks during an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency at Ziguangge building inside Zhongnanhai, an office compound of the Chinese central authorities at the heart of Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 27, 2009. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao stressed on Sunday that the final ends of the nation's economic growth is to improve people's well-being, which is always a priority on the government's agenda amid the global financial crisis.

Backgrounder

China's pro-active fiscal policy and moderately loose monetary policy  China's economic development after 4-trln-yuan stimulus package   China's measures on improving people's livelihood  China's soaring house prices trigger concerns over property speculation  Major fluctuations in China's 2009 consumer prices   China faces rising trade disputes, yuan appreciation pressure

    Despite the tight fiscal condition, China beefed up the income and welfare enjoyed by the retirees and low-income residents, and unveiled the significant health-care reform in 2008, Wen told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.

    "We will overcome every difficulty to well implement the health-care reform which has close bearing on people's health," he said.

    Wen said the rural medical cooperative system has covered more than 800 million people, and more than 400 million urban dwellers had joined the urban medical insurance system.

    Although the health care security service has covered more than 1.2 billion people, the current safety level remains low, he said.

    Wen noted the government had made great efforts to step up health care infrastructure in rural areas and urban communities. Reforms are also made to make medicine more affordable for patients.

    He also stressed the significance of the pilot program of rural pension insurance.

    "Farmers aged over 60 could get 55 yuan a month. It is not a big sum, but it begins a new era," he said.

    Since the global economic crisis broke out at the end of last year, the Chinese government has timely implemented a stimulus package which stepped up financial support and policy incentives to improve people's well-being and stimulate domestic demand, in order to shore up economic recovery.

    China has spent 728.46 billion yuan (107.13 billion U.S. dollars) to enhance education and medical systems, social security, job promotion, affordable housing construction, and cultural development. The investment was an increase of 165.33 billion yuan from a year ago.

Premier Wen says science, technology key to China's economic development

    BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Premier Wen Jiabao said here Sunday that China would rely on science and technology to change its growth pattern.

    "It (science and technology) is key to China's economic development," Wen made the remarks when asked how China would respond to global scientific innovation expedited by the international financial crisis. Full story

Premier: China to steadily advance reform of household registration system

    BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Sunday China would advance the reform of its decades-long household registration system in a steady manner, in a bid to ensure migrant workers to have equal rights as city dwellers.

    Those policies are also key to speeding up urbanization and boosting domestic consumption, Wen said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency. Full story

China won't yield to yuan appreciation pressure: Premier

    BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- China would not yield to pressure for the appreciation of its currency yuan, or renminbi, in any form, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Sunday.

   "A stable Chinese currency is conducive to the international community," Wen told Xinhua in an exclusive interview. Full story

Improving people's livelihood always a priority: Premier

    BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao stressed on Sunday that the final ends of the nation's economic growth is to improve people's well-being, which is a priority on the government's agenda amid the global financial crisis.

    Despite the tight fiscal condition, China beefed up the income and welfare enjoyed by the retirees and low-income residents, and unveiled the significant health-care reform in 2008, Wen told Xinhua in an exclusive interview. Full story

Chinese Premir stresses confidence, responsibility, cooperation in tackling downturn

BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Sunday the government had stressed confidence, responsibility and cooperation in dealing with the effects of the global economic crisis. Full story

Chinese people should be proud of economic performance: Premier

    BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese people should be proud of the country's economic performance as the government's economic stimulus package proved effective, Premier Wen Jiabao told Xinhua Sunday in an exclusive interview. Full story

Premier Wen holds exclusive interview with Xinhua

    BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao holds an exclusive interview with the Xinhua News Agency on Sunday afternoon at Ziguangge building inside Zhongnanhai, an office compound of the central authorities at the heart of Beijing. Full story

Premier Wen promises annual dialogue with netizens ahead of Parliament session

    BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Sunday he would continue his dialogue with netizens before the annual Parliament session in March next year. Full story

Special Report: Premier Wen Jiabao Gives Exclusive Interview with Xinhua News Agency