BEIJING, China?Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Saturday said China would ensure higher product safety standards to prevent another melamine milk scandal.

Wen, meeting the press on the second and final day of the 7th Asia Europe Meeting (Asem) here, said China would comply with international standards as well as with the standards of importing countries.

?We will seriously deal with this contaminated milk powder (problem). We will punish those who are directly responsible for this. We will also make those leaders accountable for this,? he said.

The melamine scandal was raised as the Asem agenda steered away from the global financial crisis Friday to spirited discussions on other pressing issues such as sustainable development, climate change and food security.

In the press briefing held at the Great Hall of the People, Wen was asked about his government?s efforts to restore confidence in China-made dairy products in light of the scandal.

Dairy products spiked with the hazardous melamine chemical have killed at least four infants and caused illness to thousands of other babies.

?Colleagues, I would like to make a solemn statement that the Chinese government attaches grave importance to food safety because it concerns not only the Chinese people, but also consumers all over the world,? Wen said.

?I know these incidents have caused quite (a lot of) damage. (But) we will overcome all these problems and ensure a safe and healthy food production. This is not an easy task for us, but we will have determination,? he said.

Wen made the promise in the presence of European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

In the Philippines, at least four China-made products had tested positive for melamine contamination.