Major Japanese media have given extensive coverage to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's government work report at the Second Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) and applauded China's drive for 8 percent annual economic growth amid the ongoing world financial crisis.

In its editorial, The Yomiuri Shimbun said: "When the world's key developed countries get mired in economic recession, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday set a target of 8 percent economic growth this year in his work report."

"As a world economic engine, China has drawn constant attention from around the world," it said.

"In the world's economic system, China is shifting from a world factory to an emerging market with a huge consumer population," it added.

The Asahi Shimbun said that it is not easy for China to achieve the target of 8 percent growth amid the global economic depression.

"As it is stressed in Premier Wen's work report, China needs to expand its domestic demand and boost people's living standard so as to maintain a stable and long-term growth," said the paper in its editorial.

The Mainichi Shimbun praised Premier Wen's determination to sustain the 8 percent growth, saying: "The Chinese people have every confidence in Wen, whose firm and effective leadership is highly expected."

"As Japan's biggest trade partner, China's economic development has a direct bearing on Japan's economy," said the paper in its editorial.

"And international cooperation is of great importance in the process of China's economic development and the world's economic recovery," it said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 6, 2009)