Saturday Agenda

"The communication between the two countries is getting better. We've always had a very sound relationship. It sometimes goes up, and sometimes goes down, but over the past 30 years, relations have gone consistently upward and will continue to go upward."

BEIJING - Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday reaffirmed an "independent and peaceful" foreign policy, saying China stands ready to work with the international community to respond to challenges and share development opportunities.

Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday urged the nation to fight "a tough and prolonged battle" against pollution to conserve energy and protect the environment in 2010, as time to meet the five-year green targets is running out.

Country must continue fighting the threat of inflation and trade protectionism, premier says

Retirees feel good in helping society

Premier Wen Jiabao's latest pledge to narrow the income gap comes at the most appropriate time. Highlights of Wen's report

China will face rising trade protectionism this year as a result of an increase in its exports as well as high unemployment rates in the United States and the European Union, the Chinese ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO) said.

Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday called for efforts toward balanced, coordinated and sustainable development in the transformation of its economic growth pattern.

China will keep a steady development of agriculture and a continuous increase in rural incomes, said Premier Wen Jiabao while speaking at the opening of the parliament's annual session Friday.