China startled by force of crisis

By Michael Bristow BBC News, Beijing

As industrial output drops, workers are being laid off

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao says the effect of the global financial crisis on China is "worse than expected", according to reports.

It is the first time the premier's personal view on how the crisis is affecting China has been made public.

His words come days after the country announced a $586bn (£370bn) stimulus package to avoid the economy slowing.

BBC

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