Premier Zhu Rongji said China's blistering pace of economic growth over the past decade would place a huge amount of pressure on the next generation of mainland leaders.
Mr Zhu expressed concern at the overheated property market in several cities on the mainland and said the government had to control the situation.
He did not elaborate on what measures he had in mind.
The premier warned that increasing property prices would make it difficult for China to sustain a high growth rate.
Meeting a group of overseas Chinese in Cambodia, Mr Zhu said: 'An 8 per cent growth [in annual gross domestic product for 2002] means a relatively high base. What can the next premier do [to maintain a high economic growth]?'
Mr Zhu's remarks indirectly confirmed that he planned to give up the premiership next March, when many key government positions would change. He is expected to be replaced by Vice Premier Wen Jiabao.
