Premier Li Keqiang meets the press today

Corruption and the nature of our government are water and fire. I want to state clearly that Chinese government has a great determination to fight corruption.

As government officials, we should serve the public and end the idea of making money, because they are two separated lines. We’d like to accept supervision from the society and media.

We need to establish and perfect the way we combat corruption, and we will punish corrupt officials without mercy. More importantly, we’ll create a transparent environment, allowing the public to supervise effectively.

To provide a better life for people, the government has to practice austerity. A few days ago, I received a financial budget report, saying the central government revenue increases only 1.6 percent. People’s livelihood must increase, not decrease, and our governments need to cut spending.

First, new governmental buildings will not be built. Second, a number of people on the government payroll will decrease, not increase. Third, receptions, business trips and the use of official vehicles will decrease, not increase.

Q: Is there a timetable for the reform of re-education through labor?

Please allow me to give you a brief answer. About the plan for the reeducation through labor reform, the relevant departments are working intensively to formulate a plan, and it may be laid out before the end of this year.

On China-US ties

When I visited the US in the 1980s, a national election was in process, and I met people of both parties. They said to me no matter who is elected, the cooperation with China and the principle of one China will not change.

Over the last decade, there have been ups and downs in China-US relations, but the friendship has always been moving forward. We want to build a new type of relationship with the Obama administration. You ask me how to build it and it makes me think that I often meet American political leaders. They tell me frankly that they are coming for the benefit of the US. I tell them I work for China. So we have something in common. Look back three decades ago and the trade volume between China and US was only $1 billion. Last year it is more than $500 billion.

We will continue to cooperate and promote mutual benefits. In the future there will be more opportunities for trade and investment. I do not deny that there are conflicts between China and the US. We should respect each other and control the disputes. Shared interests often override disputes. We can learn from each other to promote friendship between the people and enhance the social foundation of China-US relations.

China and the US both have expressed an intention to keep the Asia Pacific region steady and prosperous. I hope we do what we say.

You asked about cyberattacks. This is a worldwide problem. China is the main target of these attacks. China does not support it and firmly objects cyberattacks. What you just said makes me feel it is presumption of guilt. We should not make groundless criticisms and do more to protect cybersafety.