Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing Tuesday that China's goals of reform and development set for this year will undoubtedly be fully realized.

Speaking at a reception marking the 54th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Wen said the Chinese people, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council, have won a "significant victory" in the bitter campaign against the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic.

"Faced with numerous difficulties and challenges," Wen said, " we put equal emphasis on SARS control and economic development, resulting in a sound growth momentum in our economy, an orderly proceeding of various reforms and greater openness to the outside world."

With these achievements, as well as progress in social programs, and the building of socialist ethics, democracy and rule of law, " there is no doubt that our goals of reform and development set for the year will be fully realized," the premier said at the reception, held in the Great Hall of the People.

China's top leaders Hu Jintao, Wu Bangguo, Jia Qinglin, Zeng Qinghong, Huang Ju, Wu Guanzheng, Li Changchun and Luo Gan attended the reception, along with more than 1,000 people from all walks of life, representatives of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan compatriots, as well as foreign guests including those from the diplomatic circles.

Wen said, "Our fight against SARS teaches us, among other things, that in building a well-off society in an all-round way and throughout the entire modernization process, we must adhere to the principle of overall planning while taking into consideration all different aspects," he said.

"It is incumbent upon us to make all-round, coordinated and sustainable development the overriding guideline we should follow for a considerably long time," Wen added.

As for difficulties and problems in the road to progress, the premier said, "we have the confidence and the capacity to overcome all these difficulties, solving the problems one by one through our solid efforts and moving our cause forward with surefooted strides."

He said the Chinese government will continue to follow the policies of "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong," "Macao people administering Macao" and the high degree of autonomy, act in strict accordance with the Basic Laws of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, and maintain and promote the stability and prosperity in the two regions.

"We will continue to implement the basic policy of 'peaceful reunification and one country, two systems' and the eight-point proposal on developing cross-Straits relations and advancing the process of peaceful national reunification at the present stage."

"We will always adhere to the one-China principle and stand firmly opposed to any splittist activities by 'Taiwan independence' separatists," he said.

The premier reiterated China's unswerving pursuit of the independent foreign policy of peace and determination to develop friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries in the world on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

"China will always be a staunch force dedicated to regional and world peace," Wen said, adding, "Instead of being a threat to anybody, a strong and prosperous China can only bring benefits to the World. China will never seek hegemony." 

(Xinhua News Agency September 30, 2003)