Premier guided by a past close to the people

Premier Li Keqiang's experiences decades ago in rural areas have shaped the reform philosophy he pursues today, which places people at the core.

When asked about the government's sweeping reforms at a news conference on Thursday, shortly after the close of the annual parliamentary session in Beijing, Li re-emphasized the basic purpose of reform: improving people's lives.

"The fundamental goal is to allow the market to exert its power to activate the innovative energy of the whole society, to let the government fulfill its responsibility so that people will benefit," he said.