At a press conference shortly after the conclusion of China’s annual legislative session on March 13, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang answered questions from Chinese and foreign journalists. The following are edited excerpts: 

Anti-corruption drive

The Party and government are firm in fighting corruption with zero tolerance.Chinahas rule of the law. All corrupt officials will be dealt with equally, regardless of their position. A list of powers will be released to the public. There will be a full audit in key areas like land transfers and mining rights so that corrupt officials have nowhere to hide.  

Economic growth

The biggest challenge has been downward pressure. There was a money squeeze last year in the inter-bank lending rate and some key indicators showed slumps. Some said that there would be a hard landing in the Chinese economy. Institutional solutions were necessary, including macro control, restructuring and allowing the market to play a greater role. We met our targets. This year there are greater challenges - maintaining growth and employment, controlling inflation and environmental protection. We need to be prepared. The Chinese economy has great potential and we have the ability to maintain full control this year. 

Streamlining administration

Last year, 416 administrative approval items were cancelled or delegated to local governments. The reform has made the market more dynamic. Newly registered companies grew by 27.6 percent last year and private companies grew 30 percent - the highest figure in 10 years. Streamlining administration is the key to energizing the market. Letting go doesn’t mean the government will not be in control. It means making improvements, punishing IP infringements and polluting industries harshly and increasing market oversight. The government is determined to see the reform through and manage the government-market relationship. 

Breakthrough in reform

Chinais deepening reform in all areas. Out of the 40 executive meetings of the State Council held in 2013, 30 have been related to reform. Our focus is to increase the vitality of the market and the creativity of society and to allow the people to benefit. Thirty years ago I was a village head. The people just wanted to get enough to eat. The land was later contracted to the villagers and they could decide how to use it. We solved the problem of subsistence. Our reform will come about as the result of a process. This year we will continue to delegate power and allow the market to play its full role. We will continue financial and fiscal reforms. For example, there will be new tax reduction measures this year for small and micro enterprises, and a focus on insurance for seniors. We want the people to benefit. Some government departments will lose power and companies will face pressure, but we will carry out our reform without hesitation. 

War against smog

Control of PM2.5 (fine particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter) has become a major issue for the people. We are not declaring war against nature. We will upgrade our growth model. We monitor PM2.5 in 161 cities. The government is taking more responsibility and has set a target to cut energy intensity by 3.9 percent this year. We will hold businesses that do not take responsibility accountable. We need to continue to actively fight smog. It is a long-term endeavor. 

Social security

We have three major tasks: meet basic needs, provide a safety net and increase social equality. We want to improve the safety net covering areas including education, housing and medical care. We will expand the coverage of programs. This year we will increase the standard for security for senior citizens, bring it in line with the market, and unify the medical and senior citizen insurance systems in urban and rural areas.Chinais still a developing country. The social security standards are still low. Many people need aid in times of disaster. In these cases, basic welfare is not enough. The government should always prioritize the needs of the people.