The Chinese developer who aims to give China the world's tallest building will not be using Chinese steel. Citing safety concerns, Broad Group president Zhang Yue said yesterday the company would use only foreign steel for its controversial 838-metre Sky City tower in Changsha - a project he hopes to complete in a record-breaking seven months.

The Binshui New City management committee said it wanted to reassure critics that construction of the 838-metre Sky City - which developers plan to build in a record-breaking seven months - would not proceed until "relevant legal procedures" were met, Xinhua reported.

The commentary in the People's Daily came amid controversy over the planned 838-metre Sky City in Changsha, Hunan, which would be the world's tallest building once it is completed. Last week, media reported on the topping-out ceremony for the second-tallest building in the world: the 632-metre Shanghai Tower.