A state news agency cites Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao as saying the economy is making steady improvements but is at a critical stage, repeating remarks aimed at ensuring continued vigilance. Xinhua News Agency said Sunday that Wen, also China's top economic official, made his comments while touring Tangshan and Qinghuangdao, two industrial cities that neighbour Beijing in northern Hebei province.
Wen has made similar remarks several times this year, reflecting government efforts to reassure China's public and companies and encourage them to stimulate a recovery by spending more while also warning against complacency.