Wen rules out Egyptian-style protests in China

The Chinese Premier, Mr Wen Jiabao, has said China is very concerned about political turbulence sweeping Gulf and northern African countries, but ruled out such unrest taking place in his country asserting that any analogy between it and those countries is “not right’’.

“We have embarked on a development path that fits China’s national conditions,” Mr Wen told an annual press conference today, noting China is still a developing nation with large population, weak economic foundation and uneven development.

The Chinese Government will continue to focus on economic construction and vigorously promote economic development and social progress, he said.

China will also continue to “put people’s interests first” and strive for “comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable development,” he said, adding that the country focussed on the upliftment of people.

China will further promote social fairness and justice and maintain social stability and harmony, he said, pledging further protection of democratic rights of the people and further play to the initiative and creativity of its people.

His comments came as overseas dissident groups tried to stir up Egyptian-style protests during the past few weeks. Chinese police averted any such protest taking place with stepped security.

Several foreign journalists have been assaulted or warned that their accreditations and visas will be cancelled if any rules were violated in providing a proactive coverage for such incidents.

Mr Wen also said China never sees its development path as “a model” because it is still exploring the way of reforms and economic construction.

All countries can have their own development paths which are suitable for their own national conditions and “we respect the choice of their people,” the Chinese Premier said.

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