Hu: Democracy 'blind alley' for China

Western-style democracy is a "blind alley" for China and one that it will not go down, Chinese President Hu Jintao has said. In a major televised speech ahead of a key meeting of the Central Committee in Beijing, Hu also said China's leaders would fight official corruption and abuses of power " issues that have become a growing cause of frustration and discontent. The speech was seen by analysts as a reflection of Hu's efforts to boost government accountability and transparency while stating that he remains firmly opposed to any changes to the Communist Party's monopoly on power.