SHANGHAI, May 26: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao joined a chorus of criticism on Wednesday when he attacked developed countries for not doing enough to help the developing world.

In an uncharacteristically frank speech, the Chinese premier said it was important to bring democracy in international relations so that all countries can participate in rule-making and secure equal access to development opportunities.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the World Bank's Global Conference on Poverty Reduction, the Chinese premier was equally critical of the UN, the World Bank and other international agencies, which, he said, should perform better.

Citing China's impressive credentials at reducing poverty in the past decade, he told participants a successful poverty reduction programme hinges on better play of the superiority of the socialist system and stronger protection of people's rights to subsistence and development.

In his keynote address, Premier Jiabao echoed popular sentiments when he called for establishing a new international, political and economic order that is fair and rational.

In reference to the past practice by some development agencies of imposing their success recipes on developing countries, he commented it is the right of all peoples to chose their paths and modes of development in light of their own national conditions.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva was even more blunt in his remarks. He described as scandalous the subsidies given by the developed world to its agriculture production and exports.

The Brazilian president, who is on a state visit to China, said it was unacceptable that cows were given a two-dollar subsidy in the West while one half of the world's population had to survive on less than that.

Mr Lula da Silva said the real weapon of mass destruction in the world was hunger as it claimed millions of lives every year. He cited the efforts by countries like China, India, Nigeria, South Africa and Brazil in championing the cause of the developing world.

Most of the speakers at the inaugural session, which included World Bank President James Wolfensohn, Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and other heads of state, called for more help from developed countries as the money being given now was simply not

China's impressive achievements at eradicating poverty werehighlighted at the conference. This is one of the reasons why this conference is being held in Shanghai.

However, the Chinese premier cautioned the audience against believing that the high standard of living witnessed in Shanghai was representative of the whole of China.

While the standard of living of the Chinese has improved, there are still 30 million people in rural areas living in poverty, 20 million in urban centres who shared this fate and 60 million handicapped persons who also needed help.

President Wolfensohn of the World Bank praised the efforts of China on the grounds that the country always followed through on its plans and projects. He said the commitment of China in eradicating poverty has made it a world leader.

He said a new balance was needed in the world to meet the changing situation so that the poor of the world could become participants in poverty alleviation programmes.