Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao AP PHOTO

The spending binge follows commitments by Wen and Chinese President Hu Jintao to spread wealth more evenly, but also comes ahead of a major year-end Communist Party congress at which the pair are expected to entrench their five-year rule by appointing allies to top posts.

"We must put people first . . . and ensure that all of the people share in the fruits of reform and development," Wen said in an address to the 2,890 members of the legislature, formally known as the National People's Congress.

The Japan Times Weekly: March 10, 2007
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