Wen Jiabao determined to bow out fighting

Premier Wen Jiabao has made a final push for political reform before giving up his party leadership post, urging his successors to revive long-stalled efforts to develop democracy and promote the rule of law.

"[The party] should make a particular effort to promote the reform of the leadership system of the party and the country, develop democracy, optimise the legal system and realise the rule of law," Wen told the Tianjin delegation at the 18th party congress on Thursday, which Xinhua reported yesterday.

The premier listed political reform, anti-corruption efforts and improving the people's livelihood as the three most critical issues facing the country. He said incoming party leaders would have to deal with them all in the next five years and beyond.

"China faces quite a lot of problems, especially the arduous tasks of reform and development," Wen said. "But I think the issues I mentioned are of great significance and pressing."

Wen, like with President Hu Jintao and other senior leaders, is to step down from party leadership next week and relinquish his government office in March. In the past few years, he has become a lonely voice among the Communist Party leadership, embracing more liberal and universal values such as human rights and democracy.

Observers wonder if he is cultivating his image or playing a role to balance the party's conservative image.