Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has called for increased efforts in battling corruption, as the situation remains "grave" and the task is "extremely arduous."

In the full text of a speech released Tuesday, Wen told an anti-corruption meeting of the State Council, China's Cabinet, on March 25 that, despite the government's anti-corruption efforts last year, some fields in China are still "prone to corruption" due to a lack of regulation or inefficient law enforcement and supervision.

Wen mapped out a series of priorities in China's anti-graft efforts for 2011 in this speech, as the government strives to prevent officials from committing misconduct, such as abuse of power and dereliction of duty.

Officials, along with their families and aides, are not allowed to interfere with or manipulate tender and bidding activity, he said.

They are required to disclose their assets and the employment of their family members. Officials will also be held accountable for accepting bribes, whether in cash, securities, or payment cards, he said.

Furthermore, leaders of state-owned enterprises are not allowed to seek illicit gains through operating relevant businesses or trade, Wen noted.

China has made progress in addressing the complaints of citizens and reducing administrative costs over the past year. However, the country still faces an extremely complicated development situation, according to Wen.

He pointed out that some long-term and short-term problems are intertwined with the country's economic and social development, adding that some social contradictions have become relatively prominent.

In addition to corruption, these problems could threaten the country's development and stability if not properly handled, according to Wen.

In the speech, Wen also promised to better safeguard the legitimate interests of people and cut extravagant spending by government officials.

Unlawful, forced land expropriations and house demolitions are strictly banned, he said, adding that the administrative system needs to be reformed to dilute the power of some government departments.

Wen also ordered the improvement of the efficiency of government departments and the enhancement of supervision of principal officials.

To reduce administrative expenses, the government will limit overseas business trips and reform the government service car system, Wen said.

The government would also reduce extravagance in official business trips and receptions and cut the number of meetings and documents, Wen said, urging government administrations to make spending more transparent by publishing budgets.

About 146,000 officials across China were punished for disciplinary violations in 2010. Among the officials, 5,373 had been referred for prosecution, according to Wen.

Additionally, administrative expenses, including government-funded overseas trips, vehicle purchases, and reception expenditures, were cut by 5.8 percent last year, according to figures from the State Council.

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