Polls show concern about livelihood, income gap

Polls by China's two leading news groups have shown increasing public concern over livelihood issues and distorted distribution of wealth.

An online poll hosted by Xinhua News Agency showed narrowing the income gap is seen as the top priority among topics expected to be addressed at major upcoming political sessions.

Since the poll was launched on Feb 14, this topic drew more than 254,000 votes, ranking it first among 22 topics listed on the website.

Stabilizing housing prices and supervision on food safety rank second and third, with about 230,000 and 217,000 votes, respectively.

The list of issues also includes social security, the stock market, medical reform, easing traffic jams and anti-corruption.

In another online poll, by the People's Daily, China's flagship newspaper, social security has topped the list of 20 topics.

Distribution of wealth and social management occupy second and third place, respectively, after polling opened on February 7.

In both polls, less attention has gone to the usually hot topic of anti-corruption compared with previous years.

Anti-corruption ranks eighth in the Xinhua poll, with about 154,000 votes, and seventh in the People's Daily list.

In 2011 polls, the topic placed fourth in the Xinhua list and third in the People's Daily list.

China is expecting two major political events in March. The Fifth Session of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the national advisory body, will open March 3. And the Fifth Session of the 11th National People's Congress, the national legislature, will open March 5.