China will keep lid on housing prices

BEIJING, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- China will maintain stability in housing prices, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said.

Speaking Thursday at a celebration of the anniversary of the 1949 revolution, Wen also said the government will improve health, old age and other social services, Xinhua reported.

In Wen's audience were Chinese President Hu Jintao; top leaders Wu Bangguo, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang and more than 1,000 Chinese and foreign guests.

Wen reiterated the goals of scientific advancement, reform and opening the system and pledged, "China's development will neither harm anyone nor pose a threat to anyone."

The premier noted this is the last year of China's 11th five-year plan.

Wen touted China's enhanced productivity and national strength, improvements in people's lives and increased international standing.

"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.