Premier Li: China's economy developing in sustainable way despite global uncertainties
Updated 17:53, 16-Sep-2019
CGTN

China's economy is on the track of sustainable growth this year despite global uncertainties, said Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in a written interview with Russian news agency TASS, ahead of his official visit to Moscow on September 16.

"Judging by the first eight months of the current year, China's economy in general continues a smooth and sustainable development," Li stressed, adding that the "GDP grew by 6.3 percent in the first six months of 2019 over the same period last year. Key economic indices are meeting the expectations and are staying within a reasonable range."

"Maintaining accelerated growth rates of more than six percent on the backdrop of the uncertain international situation is quite a difficult task for such a big economy as China, and this rate is at the forefront of the world's leading economies," he said.

Premier Li also noted that "China's economy has huge stress resistance, potential and possibilities," despite facing downward pressure amid sluggish global economic growth and increasing protectionism.

China's enormous domestic market ensured sustainable demand. "China is both a 'world factory' and a 'world market'," Li went on to explain.

Li also said commitment to reforms and the policy of openness would also encourage economic activities, and China's macro-control strategy would create a stable developing environment.

70th anniversary of diplomatic ties

Li noted that his visit came as the two countries are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties, and have embarked on a new journey since Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia in June.

During Xi's visit, China and Russia agreed to lift their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, opening a new chapter of bilateral cooperation conducive to global stability and prosperity, Li said.

Meanwhile, the two sides are actively seeking greater cooperation between the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union to boost connectivity across the continent.

In the face of rising unilateralism, protectionism and anti-globalization, China and Russia, both responsible major countries, share a similar view on building a more open world economy, improving global governance and promoting democracy in international relations.

Calling the 70th anniversary a milestone and a new starting point, the premier believed that China-Russia ties will make new achievements through joint efforts and contribute to the development and rejuvenation of both countries.

On Friday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also spoke highly of the two countries' ties in an interview with a Russian newspaper, saying that "the fabric of bilateral interaction is so dense that no third force can drive a wedge in it."

In response, Hua Chunying, spokesperson of China's Foreign Ministry told Monday's daily briefing that China highly appreciates Lavrov's positive remarks on China-Russia relations,

Echoing Li's stance on bilateral ties during his interview, Hua said China-Russia relations have come to a new starting point with new opportunities, new tasks and new challenges in the face of shifting dynamics in the international environment.