China: Wen Jiabao urges political, economic reforms

The Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has called for urgent political and economic reforms – following the close of the Chinese parliament's last session ahead of a leadership change, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

Wen warned that China could see a repeat of historical tragedies such as the 1966-1976 Cultural Revolution, if the country failed to weed out problems in society.

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He said corruption and income disparity were emerging problems as China’s economy continues to develop.

"I'm fully aware that to resolve these problems, we must press ahead with both economic structural reforms and political structural reforms, in particular reforms on the leadership system of the [Communist] party and the country," Wen said.

"I know very well that the reform will not be an easy one. The reform will not be able to succeed without the consciousness, the support, the enthusiasm and creativity of our people."

Wen added that China's decision to cut this year's economic growth target to 7.5 percent was necessary to keep the economy growing, the BBC reported.

He also addressed relations with Taiwan, Tibet and the US – and said China would look at stepping up currency reform.

A leadership transition in China is due to begin later this year, with Wen expected to be succeeded by Vice-Premier Li Keqiang, and President Hu Jintao to be replaced by Vice-President Xi Jinping.

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In its last annual session, China’s parliament, the National People's Congress, passed into law controversial changes that give the police powers to secretly detain dissidents for up to six months, Agence France Presse reported.

Amnesty International said is a statement the legislation would "provide dangerous exemptions from due process for entire categories of criminal suspects, including those who simply wish to peacefully express their opinion."

The parliament also voted on government work reports and budgets.