Wen Jiabao at the press conference

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Wednesday the Chongqing authorities must "seriously" reflect on and draw lessons from the Wang Lijun incident.

The central authorities have "taken this matter very seriously" and instructed relevant departments to start investigation immediately after this incident took place, he said at a press conference after the conclusion of the annual parliamentary session. [More about the press conference]

Wang entered the U.S. consulate in southwest China and stayed there for one day, according to the office of the Foreign Ministry Spokespersons on Feb. 9.

So far progress has been made in the investigation and the issue will be handled according to laws and based on facts, Wen said.

"As far as the result of the investigation and how this matter will be handled are concerned, an answer must be given to the people and the result of the investigation should be able to stand the test of law and history," he said.

Acknowledging the achievements made by successive Chongqing governments and people over the years, Wen urged the current Party committee and municipal government of Chongqing to seriously reflect on the incident and learn lessons from it.

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, the country has made remarkable achievement in its modernization drive but also taken some detours and learned hard lessons, he said.

Since the third plenum of the 11th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and, in particular, the decision on correct handling of relevant historical issues was adopted by the central authorities, the country has established the line of "freeing the mind and seeking truth from facts" and formulated the basic guideline of CPC, he said.

In particular, the country has made a major decision to conduct the reform and opening up, which is crucial for the country's future and destiny, he said.

"Any practice we take must be based on experience and lessons we have gained from history and serve people's interest," he said.

"I believe the people fully recognize this point and I have full confidence of our future."