Rising stars in China Party promise gentler growth

By Ben Blanchard and Chris Buckley

BEIJING (Reuters) - Two men widely tipped as future leaders of China gave glimpses of their agenda on Tuesday, promising gentler, more environmentally sound growth, a contrast with the get-rich-quick attitude of recent boom years.

But Shanghai Communist Party boss Xi Jinping and his counterpart in northeastern Liaoning province, Li Keqiang, fended off or avoided questions about their own political futures, despite intense media interest.

Both stuck closely to President Hu Jintao's key themes at a Party Congress which opened this week -- the need for a "harmonious society" that spreads wealth more equally, and a "scientific outlook of development" that balances growth with environmental sustainability.

Still, neither even came close to suggesting China turn its back on the reforms that have made it into a global trading powerhouse and world's fourth-largest economy. Growth was still vital to lift parts of the country from poverty, they said.

"In the process of promoting economic development, we must promote a harmonious society," Li said at a delegation discussion on Hu's opening speech to the Congress.

"The goal of our development is for the people to enjoy the benefits of development," added Li, looking relaxed as he fluently poured forth statistics, goals and slogans.

Xi, who was parachuted into his job earlier this year after predecessor Chen Liangyu was dramatically sacked for corruption, said glamorous and wealthy Shanghai would not forget its poorest and do more for the environment.

"Scientific development is all about people. We must pay more attention to people's livelihoods ... like disadvantaged groups, people in the countryside and others in difficult situations," Xi told the session.