China is completely capable of financing the combat against the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic, Finance Minister Jin Renqing said Wednesday.

With the sustained rapid economic growth in the last 20 years, China's financial resources have increased greatly, and the country is surely able to ensure spending in SARS prevention and control, Jin said in response to reporters' questions.

Last year, China had a fiscal revenue of 1,891.4 billion yuan (US$228.5 billion), and the country achieved a substantial increase in fiscal revenue in the first quarter this year.

However, the finance minister urged strict capital administration, stressing that efforts must be made to avoid and reduce waste due to unnecessary spending or poor management of funds.

"We must use the finance resources where they are needed most," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 8, 2003)