China to push forward equalization of public services

BEIJING - The State Council, or China's Cabinet, announced Wednesday that the government will work to give both urban and rural residents equal access to public services during the 2011-2015 period.

The government will promote a series of "livelihood projects," improve infrastructure and strengthen service networks concerning education, employment, social security, health and housing, according to a statement released after an executive meeting of the State Council presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao.

The government will prioritize less developed rural regions and impoverished areas by providing them with more fiscal spending and material assistance, according to the statement.

The statement said the government will ensure that fiscal spending on public services will grow according to the nation's economic growth and the government's fiscal income.