The government's determination to look squarely at existing problems is giving hope to all, says a signed article in Xiaoxiang Morning News. An excerpt follows:

After reviewing the achievements made in the past year during his work report, Premier Wen Jiabao did not dodge the difficulties facing the country in its development process.

He told the NPC deputies that during the 10th Five-Year Plan period (2001-05), the country's economic structure was still unreasonable, its innovation capabilities not strong, and transformation of economic growth mode slow. He also pointed out that the country has been confronted with such problems as huge energy consumption and serious environmental pollution.

A lot of other issues, such as lack of coordination in relationship between investment and consumption, the ever-widening gap in development between rural and urban areas and in wealth between the rich and the poor, and the delayed development of social causes, were all touched upon in the report.

By delivering such a report, Premier Wen demonstrated his and his government's determination to face up to these thorny problems.

Also, straightforward terms used in his report such as "continue," "still" and other undecorated language while pointing out difficulties fully demonstrates the build-up of the government's governance capabilities.

Problems will not disappear only because they are denied. Only by taking a square look at them can solutions be found, and further coordinated development be promoted.

Wen's report also indicates the valuable pragmatic manner and sense of urgency the Chinese government has when solving the problems.

It is exactly because of the premier's awareness of the issues that people see hope of larger leaps forward in the country's development.

(China Daily March 9, 2006)