– ‘Cheese will be moved’ –
In his remarks on corruption, Li made apparent reference to the motivational book, “Who Moved My Cheese?”, a US best-seller that counsels businesspeople on how to adapt to change.
“In the course of reform, the vested interests will be shaken, and some people’s cheese will be moved, so to speak,” Li said.
“For example, in the course of power delegation, some government departments will find fewer powers in their own hands, and in boosting market competition and easing market access, some existing companies will feel greater pressure.”
Li also addressed China’s environmental challenges, returning to his rhetoric last week that China would “declare war” on pollution.
“To declare a war against smog doesn’t mean that we are going to declare a war against nature,” Li said.
“Rather, what we mean is that we are going to declare a war against our own inefficient and unsustainable model of growth and way of life.”
He added that “those overseeing agencies that turn a blind eye to polluting activities and fail to perform their duties of overseeing will be held accountable”.
As China faces rising tensions with its Asian neighbours — particularly Japan — over a series of maritime disputes, Li asserted Beijing’s “unshakeable will” in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty.
“When neighbours interact with each other, it’s only natural that sometimes they will run into problems of one kind or another,” he said.
“But as long as they respect each other, properly manage differences and pursue mutual benefit, there will be harmonious sounds instead of jarring noises.”
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