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Chinese Prez Rips Corruption

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 15, 2007 3:50 AM CDT
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(Newser) – China's President Hu Jintao blasted the "extravagance and corruption" of some Communist officials at a key party congress today as he warned that the nation's promise has "fallen short" of public expectation. He also cautioned that "independence" forces were growing stronger in Taiwan and that the island must return to Beijing rule. But Chinese leaders will "make every effort to achieve peaceful reunification," he vowed.

Hu called for developing a "moderately prosperous society" and quadrupling the nation's 2000 per capita GNP by 2020. The Communist congress meets every five years and sets long-term agendas. On the eve of the gathering, a party official said China still rejects Western democracy, despite reforms. "We will never copy the Western model," he said.

China's top leaders applaud during the opening ceremony of the 17th Communist Party Congress held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Monday, Oct. 15, 2007. All eyes will be on the rising stars in China's Communist Party when delegates from across the country gather Monday for the...
China's top leaders applaud during the opening ceremony of the 17th Communist Party Congress held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Monday, Oct. 15, 2007. All eyes will be on the rising stars...   (Associated Press)
Chinese President Hu Jintao prepares to speak during the opening ceremony of the 17th Communist Party Congress held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Monday, Oct. 15, 2007. Hu opened the major party congress Monday by promising modest reforms to make governing institutions more responsive while strengthening...
Chinese President Hu Jintao prepares to speak during the opening ceremony of the 17th Communist Party Congress held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Monday, Oct. 15, 2007. Hu opened the major...   (Associated Press)
Chinese paramilitary police officers patrol in front of Beijing's Great Hall of the People Sunday, Oct. 14, 2007. China's Communist Party opens its once-every-five years party congress in the Great Hall Monday. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)
Chinese paramilitary police officers patrol in front of Beijing's Great Hall of the People Sunday, Oct. 14, 2007. China's Communist Party opens its once-every-five years party congress in the Great Hall...   (Associated Press)
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