Premier: Economic policies stable

China will maintain consistency and stability in its macro-economic policies in the near future, while taking steps to keep inflation in check. That's according to Premier Wen Jiabao, who was giving a speech to a group of leading scientists on Tuesday.

The premier said China would try to steer the economy towards steady growth, without big swings. He said the government has worked to keep the economy on track, while mounting its quake relief efforts.

And he stressed that the current social and economic situation is better than expected. He also warned of severe challenges faced by the country, and pledged decisive moves to prevent excessive growth in prices.