China's central bank chief has vowed to keep prices stable in 2011, joining other Communist Party leaders in a major charm offensive to ease consumer concerns over soaring food and property costs.
The People's Bank of China governor, Zhou Xiaochuan, also reiterated that policymakers would carry out a 'prudent monetary policy' in 2011 - signalling that further interest rate hikes and other tightening measures could be on the way.
Zhou's comments come after President Hu Jintao visited low-income families in the capital on Wednesday and promised that the government would do more to help needy people, amid growing concerns over the country's widening wealth gap.
Last weekend, Premier Wen Jiabao spoke on live radio to reassure listeners that the government would be able to tackle inflation and house prices that have risen out of the reach of many ordinary Chinese.
His message came one day after the central bank hiked interest rates for the second time in less than three months.
Fearful of inflation's historical potential to spark social unrest, Chinese authorities have been pulling on a variety of levers to rein in consumer prices and tame runaway house prices.
The central bank has also ordered lenders to keep more money in reserve, effectively limiting the amount of funds they can lend.
The government has pledged to ensure adequate supply of key food and fuel products, crack down on food and property hoarding and boost assistance for the needy.
