China's average consumer price rises will be around 4 percent in 2011. That's according to the chief economist at the National Statistics Bureau, Yao Jingyuan. But he also says inflation will not be "malicious", as China has enjoyed seven years of bumper harvest in grains, laying a good foundation to help stabilize prices.

He also says supplies of most industrial products are currently exceeding demand, which will also set a ceiling on prices. The National Statistics Bureau is set to announce major economic data for 2010 this Thursday.