Wen Jiabao, China’s number three leader and economic official, recently said at an Asian summit in Thailand that China’s economy is showing “positive changes” but called for more efforts to combat the impact of the global financial crisis.

The Chinese economy showed “better than expected positive changes in the first quarter” due to Beijing’s huge stimulus. Citing improved investment, consumption and trade figures, Jiabao said some segments of the economy “are in a process of gradual recovery”.

China’s economy is forecast to grow by at least +5% this year - the fastest rate of any major country, though down from last year’s +9% and 2007’s +13%. Chinese banks have avoided the turmoil that is battering Western financial systems.

According to China Radio International’s website, Jiabao was asked whether Beijing would launch additional stimulus efforts and he said Beijing would step up efforts to carry out the current plan.