Andrew Jacobs And Jonathan Ansfield The New York Times

Prime Minister Wen Jiabao of China, well known for baring his emotions in public, has displayed a blend of defeatism and defensiveness as he winds down his decade in office. During a visit last month to a Muslim neighbourhood here, Wen lamented that he "fell short in some tasks" to improve people's livelihoods.

Prime Minister Wen Jiabao of China, well known for baring his emotions in public, has displayed a blend of defeatism and defensiveness as he winds down his decade in office. During a visit last month to a Muslim neighbourhood here, Wen lamented that he "fell short in some tasks" to improve people's livelihoods.