China must unswervingly push forward its reform and opening-up drive and follow the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Tuesday.

"We need to consistently and unswervingly press ahead with reform and opening-up, and we need to continue to adhere to the road of building socialism with Chinese characteristics," the premier said while meeting with the press in the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing.

"Although in our way ahead there will be difficulties, we must not stop... Backpedaling offers no way out," said Wen.

The premier's meeting with the press is a routine event staged every year right after the conclusion of the annual full session of the National People's Congress, the Chinese top legislature.

In his opening remarks, Wen thanked the general public of the country for their expectations on and encouragement for his government.

He mentioned that several hundred thousand questions had been raised to him in an online survey jointly launched by the country's leading websites, including xinhuanet.com, people.com.cn, cctv. com, sohu.com and sina.com.cn, in the run-up to the Tuesday press conference.

"Our country and Chinese nation now stand at a new historical point of development. Faced with new tasks, we must be more sober- minded, more steadfast and work even harder," Wen said.

China has just taken its first step on the road of modernization, and there is still a long way ahead full of arduous tasks, he noted.

"We need to remain cautious despite the comparatively good situation at present," he added.

(Xinhua News Agency March 14, 2006)