China's Government To Aim For Stability, Solid Growth

China will aim to encourage stability and economic growth of 7.5 percent this year.

Outgoing Premier Wen Jiaboa laid out the government's goals at the start of the annual parliament, the National People's Congress, on March 5.

Wen told about 3,000 delegates that the government would not pursue growth at all costs, instead prioritizing social programs and tackling problems, including corruption and pollution.

The government also plans to boost military spending by 10.7 percent this year to 740.6 billion yuan ($119 billion), a slight drop versus last year.

The parliament is scheduled to approve Wen's report, the budget and the appointment of new state leaders at the end of the congress on March 17.

Vice Premier Li Keqiang is expected to replace Wen, while party leader Xi Jinping is scheduled to succeed President Hu Jintao.

Based on dpa, AP and Reuters reporting