CHINESE Premier Li Keqiang set out today the government’s plans for 2018 to the annual session of the National People’s Congress.

He vowed to focus on meeting citizens’ basic needs and lifting 10 million poor rural people out of poverty.

Mr Li insisted that “houses are for living in, not for speculation” when he announced a three-year housing renovation scheme, with 5.8 million new homes this year.

And there will be a boost to public-sector rented housing for low-income families and migrant and young workers.

The government will also increase spending on health insurance benefits, pensions and social assistance programmes.

More money for schools would cut class sizes and ensure rural students complete their education, Mr Li said.

He also stressed the need for more jobs, with 8.2 million students graduating from university this year.

He pledged increased local development, as well as further “opening up” of the manufacturing, telecoms, medical services, education and elderly care sectors.

The government anticipates creating 11 million new urban jobs this year, keeping unemployment below 5.5 per cent.