A senior Chinese lawmaker said on Wednesday that legislation requiring public officials to declare their personal assets is under consideration and seen as a move to prevent corruption and improve government transparency.

"We are researching the issue, since the legislation requires mature consideration of all conditions," said Li Fei, deputy director of the Legislative Affairs Committee of the National People' s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee.

Li noted that the legislation should be assisted by the establishment of the personal credit system, which details individuals' financial information even if assets are not declared.

Premier Wen Jiabao said on March 5 that high priority should be given to fighting corruption and encouraging integrity among public officials.

Leading cadres at all levels, especially high-ranking ones, must resolutely implement the central leadership's regulations on reporting their personal financial situations and property, including incomes, housing and investments, as well as the jobs held by their spouses and children, Wen said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 11, 2010)