Premier Wen chats with web users

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has held his first-ever online chat with web users around the world. The discussion was hosted jointly by the websites of the central government and Xinhua. One hour before the live web chat, more than 38 thousand questions had been posted on the online forum, covering anything from employment to health care and everything in between.

During the online chat, the Chinese Premier said the global financial crisis has yet to bottom out and that its impact is still spreading. He said the greatest influence of the crisis on China is on the country's real economy instead of purely the financial sector, which, after more than 10 years of reform, is relatively stable and capable of withstanding the crisis.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao holds an online chat with  netizens jointly hosted by the central government  websiteand Xinhua website in Beijing, China, Feb. 28,  2009. (Xinhua photo)

Wen Jiabao said China has announced a raft of stimulus plans to cushion the blow of the crisis. He also noted that China's economic stimulus plans have started to take effect and have produced good results in certain areas.