During an inspection of the National Auditing Office, Premier Zhu Rongji also highlighted the need to strengthen the auditing of specialized State funds and budgets and to crack down on corruption and graft.

"Auditing is like a soldier who safeguards the nation's economic operations. It also represents the eyes for the public and the leaders on policy making," he said.

Zhu noted the auditing watchdog had scored many achievements in the past five years in clamping down on major financial fraud and regulating the economic order.

"A spate of major cases were rooted out that have propelled the nation's anti-graft battle and its bid to achieve a clean governance," he said.

He said the auditors themselves should abstain from corruption, build up their capacity and effectiveness and carry out their duties in the interest of the public.

Also during the tour, Vice-Premier Wen Jiabao said the top priority for the auditing watchdog this year is to strengthen checks on financial budgets to make balance sheets reasonable and genuine.

In addition, auditing will also be tightened on taxation revenue and enterprises to prevent the drain of money from State assets.

(China Daily January 14, 2003)