Chinese leaders underscored the importance of relying on the people in the combat against the global financial turmoil, urging efforts to ensure their well-being, when joining lawmakers in panel discussions Friday.

"The people are a most important source of strength to combat the financial crisis," said Premier Wen Jiabao in a panel discussion with deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) from the northwestern province of Gansu.

"I am here to learn about the real situations at grassroots levels," Wen said, adding the government work report he delivered at the opening of the NPC annual session was "a collection of wisdom of the people."

"Officials at various levels and the people should join hands to make concerted efforts," he said. "We must take into account the opinions of every NPC deputy so that the measures proposed in the government work report can become the common will and self-conscious action of all the people of the country, and can inspire the people with power to overcome difficulties," he said.

"We must always boost confidence, and we must rely on the people all the time," Wen said.

Source: Xinhua