Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's announcement at the National People's Congress that gross domestic product is targeted to grow by about 8 percent in 2007, down from at least 10 percent during the four previous years, not only reflects an attempt to prevent economic overheating but also points to the Chinese leadership's determination to balance growth with social equality.
President Hu Jintao and Mr. Wen sound committed to spreading the fruit of China's robust economic growth more evenly than before to narrow the economic disparity between the rich and poor. While calling for "sound and fast economic development," Mr. Wen said, in a report on his Cabinet, that "social harmony and stability as well as a better life are the aspirations of all the people and an important mission of the government."
As part of Beijing's efforts to "make major strides toward a harmonious socialist society," the 2007 budget plan calls for spending hikes of 42 percent in education, 87 percent for health care, 15 percent in rural areas and 14 percent for social security.