FOR CHINA’

“I should point out that 6.5 per cent growth is not low speed and will not be easy for us to meet.”

Li said China would also look to cut taxes and fees on companies by one trillion yuan (RM643 billion) this year, while adding that the government had enough policy tools to handle any risks.

He also expressed confidence in the European Union, calling for a united, prosperous and stable Europe amid widespread concerns about the impact of Brexit and the rise of nationalism.

“I am optimistic about the prospects of the EU, and we are optimistic about the development prospects for China-EU relations,” he said.

European Council President Donald Tusk in February warned that, in the wake of Brexit and with growing nationalism, the EU faced the biggest challenges in its 60-year history, compounded by an assertive China, an aggressive Russia and worrying declarations from Trump.

While acknowledging that trade ties between China and the EU had been strained in recent years over steel, Li said China and the EU had experience at “appropriately resolving” disputes. Reuters

I believe whatever differences we may have we can all sit down and talk to each other and work together to find solutions.”

LI KEQIANG

China Premier