Always ready to take on a challenge

He was seen in SARS wards and AIDS-stricken villages. He visited four provinces in nine days during the recent weather disaster, bowing to families of deceased heroes and apologizing to millions stranded at railway stations.

While helping China achieve double-digit GDP growth for five consecutive years, he has lived up to his motto: "The most important issue under the sun is to care for the wellbeing of the people."

Wen Jiabao, the 65-year-old premier, has increased his popularity since he first took office in March 2003. He was approved by the parliament yesterday to be premier of the State Council for another five-year term.