No one is in a position to dictate to the Chinese people what should or should not be done. We must resolutely reform what should and can be changed
beijing — President Xi Jinping warned on Tuesday that no one can “dictate” China’s economic development path as the Communist Party marked 40 years of its historic “reform and opening up” policy amid a stern challenge from the United States.
In a speech at the grandiose Great Hall of the People, Xi vowed to press ahead with economic reforms but made clear that Beijing will not deviate from its one-party system or take orders from any other country.
Without directly referring to the United States, Xi said China “poses no threat” to any country but warned that it would not be pushed around.
“No one is in a position to dictate to the Chinese people what should or should not be done,”
China’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong told the party faithful. “We must resolutely reform what should and can be changed, we must resolutely not reform what shouldn’t and can’t be changed.”
Growth forecasts
Meanwhile, China’s economy should grow 6 to 6.5 per cent next year, with a boost from “moderately loose” economic policy, a researcher at the state planner said, dismissing concerns there could be a sharp slowdown.
But Du Feilun, director of the Institute of Economic Research at the National Development and Reform Commission, said China won’t revert to its “old path” of resorting to massive stimulus. —