Chinese citizens shall enjoy full freedom and rights within the framework of the Constitution and laws, which is key to the promotion of "greater dignity" of the population, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on Saturday.

Explaining his earlier comment on "letting the Chinese live with greater dignity", Wen said during an online chat with netizens that all people should enjoy equality before the laws.

He said the ultimate purpose of a country's development should be none other than meeting the increasing material and cultural need of the people, and that the comprehensive development of the society should be based on the development of individuals.

"We shall create favorable conditions for people's freedom and full development, in order to nurture their intelligence and talent," Wen said.