国内英语新闻:China to keep housing price at reasonable, stable level: Premier Wen

BEIJING, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Thursday that the government will keep housing price at a reasonable and stable level.

Addressing a grand reception marking the 61th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Wen said the nation will improve support for the elderly, medical care and other social security schemes, to allow all the citizens to benefit from China's economic growth.

Present at the reception were Chinese President Hu Jintao and other senior Chinese leaders Wu Bangguo, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang, Zhou Yongkang and more than 1,000 Chinese and foreign personages.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao addresses the reception to celebrate the National Day at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2010. China's State Council (Cabinet) on Thursday held the reception to mark the 61st anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which falls on Oct. 1.

Premier Wen reiterated the country's adherence to the paths of scientific development, reform and opening-up, and peaceful development.

"China's development will neither harm anyone nor pose a threat to anyone," he said, adding that the argument that a strong country is bound to seek hegemony does not apply to China.

Wen said this year is the last year for implementing China's 11th five-year plan of economic and social development.

He reviewed the country's "new historic changes" over the last five years, citing enhanced productivity and national strength, improvements in people's lives, and the country's increased international standing and influence.

"In the last two years in particular, we adopted timely and forceful measures to counter the severe impact of the global financial crisis," said the premier.

"We have prevailed over numerous difficulties and become one of the first countries to achieve an economic rebound," he added.

Saying the country is at a "new historical starting point," Wen said the coming five years will be crucial to China's effort to build a moderately prosperous society.

He called for joint efforts with compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao to promote long-term prosperity and stability in the two regions.

The premier also vowed to join hands with compatriots in Taiwan to promote peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait and fulfill the peaceful reunification cause.