Wen reassures Asia on China economy

Acknowledging concerns of the international community, Premier Wen Jiabao told regional foreign ministers meeting at the Asian Cooperation Dialogue meeting in Qingdao, Shandong province that the government's macroeconomic measures had put the economy on a path of steady and fast growth. Wen predicted a soft landing for the economy, citing National Bureau of Statistics data showing fixed-asset investment grew only 18.3% in May, well down from 34.7% in April. He said China's development needed the support of all Asian countries and said China was committed to establishing a regional free-trade arrangement.