Premier Wen Jiabao Friday cited it as an arduous task for the government to rectify itself and fight corruption. He criticized some government officials for their "subjective, formalistic and bureaucratic style of work" and being "wasteful, extravagant and fraudulent, and sometimes even corrupt."

The government will not evade these difficulties and problems but instead face them squarely; "we must work hard to resolve them and not let them grow," he pledged.

The Chinese premier made these remarks in his government work report delivered at the opening of the Second Session of the Tenth National People's Congress on Friday morning.

Wen acknowledged that as economic growth has accelerated, a number of new problems have emerged. These include, among others, the excessively broad scale of investment, the serious problem of haphazard investment and low-level, redundant construction in some industries and regions, the strain between supply and demand in energy, transport and some raw and processed materials, a marked decrease in grain production, and the widespread illegal appropriation of farmland.

The development of social undertakings lags behind, and people have complaints about the cost and availability of schooling and medical treatment, he said, adding that many low-income residents in both town and country lead relatively difficult lives.

Serious crimes have occurred in some places, while frequent serious accidents that inflict heavy loss of life and property have taught the government a sobering lesson, noted the premier, underscoring that the government will shoulder heavy responsibilities for years to come.

"We must remain sober-minded, become more aware of potential problems and enhance our sense of historical responsibility. We must make up our minds to forge ahead in spite of difficulties and to work in a pioneering and creative spirit and in a down-to-earth manner. We must take on new tests with a fresh mental outlook and a new style of work, and we must absolutely not fail to live up to the expectations of the people," Wen told the legislators.

(Xinhua News Agency March 5, 2004)