Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met the press at the Great Hall of the People after the conclusion of the third session of the 13th National People's Congress Thursday afternoon in Beijing.

Li took questions from Chinese and foreign reporters via video link as Beijing continues to observe epidemic prevention and control measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are the highlights of the press conference:

Positive growth with targeted stimulus instead of a 'flood-in'

As for the stimulus measures, Premier Li has stated that China will not flood the economy with liquidity, but sufficient liquidity will be ensured through forceful measures to get the economy out of hardship, noting that the key is how the funds would be spent.

China will spend the money to offer vital relief to businesses in a bid to help employment and livelihoods so citizens can have money to spend and consumption can drive the economy, he said, highlighting that such proper management of funds is in line with the country's market-oriented reform.

"China reserves policy room for more measures, either on fiscal, finance and social security," Li said.

"We are in a strong position to introduce new measures."

More: China focuses on stable growth with quality gains: Premier Li Keqiang

Impact of COVID-19 on China's economy

It is impossible for the Chinese economy to stay immune to the global environment, as it is deeply integrated into the global economy, said Premier Li at the press conference.

Not setting a growth target this year "does not mean that economic development is not important," said Li.

China has set goals and tasks in six serious areas. The six areas refer to job security, basic living needs, operations of market entities, food and energy security, stable industrial and supply chains, and the normal functioning of primary-level governments.

"What we want is to promote China's high-quality economic development," Li told reporters.

The country is expected to achieve positive economic growth this year if security is ensured in six key areas, he said, adding that China will be able to fulfill the tasks and goals for the whole year and complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. 

Identification of the source of the new coronavirus

China and many other countries believe it is important to clearly identify the source of the new coronavirus, Premier Li said.

"We believe that getting clear of the virus on the basis of science will help us to contain the spread of COVID-19 and better help us to save lives."

Li stressed that China would continue to adopt a science-based, open, and transparent approach in dealing with COVID-19. 

China is open to international cooperation on the research and development of vaccines, medicines and testing reagents for COVID-19, and is willing to share the deliverables with the world, Li added.

All countries are now confronted with dual challenges: Containing the virus but also getting back to normal, Li pointed out, calling on joint efforts to combat the pandemic and develop the economy. 

"The whole international community must come together to eventually prevail over the pandemic," he said.

Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan region 

"One Country, Two Systems" is China's basic state policy, stressed Li when asked whether China has adjusted its policy towards Hong Kong and abandoned the "One Country, Two Systems" principle. 

The decision adopted at the NPC session is designed for the steady implementation of "One Country, Two Systems" and for Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity, said Li.

More: 

China reiterates HK's "high degree of autonomy" after decision on national security law

China adopts draft decision on national security law for HKSAR

Premier Li said that the Chinese mainland's policies in handling relations across the Taiwan Straits are consistent, underscoring adherence to the one-China principle, the 1992 Consensus, and opposition to "Taiwan independence."

Noting that the Taiwan question is China's internal affair, Li reiterated opposition to any interference by external forces.

More: Li Keqiang underscores one-China principle in cross-Straits relations

RCEP agreement

During the press conference, Premier Li expressed his belief that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will be signed this year. 

"China is actively pushing the establishment of the China-Japan-ROK Free Trade Agreement (FTA)," Li told reporters. 

Li stressed the importance of establishing a "mini-circle" of China-Japan-South Korea within the "large-circle," adding that the countries' geographic proximity is a huge advantage.

Additionally, Li acknowledged that China is open to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Click here for CGTN's live stream of this event.