Highlights from Premier Li's News Conference

Premier Li Keqiang meets the press after the closing of the fifth session of the 13th National People's Congress on March 11. [Photo/Xinhua]

Premier Li Keqiang met the press on Friday morning after the closing of the fifth session of the 13th National People's Congress.

The premier took questions from Chinese and foreign reporters via video link.

Here are the highlights.

On macro economy

- 5.5% growth target reflects steady progress, high-quality growth

- Current development plans based on long-term view

- China to increase government spending for stable growth

On Ukraine conflict

- China concerned about Ukraine situation, committed to independent foreign policy of peace

- China supports all attempts at peace, urges de-escalation

- China will work with the intl community to promote peace in Ukraine

- China to continue providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine

- Utmost efforts should be made to support Russia, Ukraine in carrying forward ceasefire negotiations

- China calls for exercising utmost restraint, preventing massive humanitarian crisis in Ukraine

On financial policy

- Fee and tax reduction most direct, fair and effective measure to help businesses

- Li highlights 2.5 trillion yuan in tax cuts and refunds

- China will give priority to small and micro enterprises in its tax rebates to help them navigate difficulties

- Central government's transfer payments to local governments will reach 9.8 trillion yuan this year

On Hong Kong

- Central government fully supports Hong Kong in fighting COVID outbreak (Read more)

- Central authorities understand, support HKSAR government decision to delay chief executive election

- China steadfast in implementation of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong

On employment

- China preferably would create over 13 million new urban jobs this year, which is more than its target of 11 million

- Li stresses market approaches to creating jobs amid record number of urban job seekers

On COVID-19

- China's anti-COVID policy to continue to be based on science and actual situation

On business environment

- China streamlines administration, delegates power to improve business environment

- 150 million market entities in China, mostly privately held

On China-US relations

- China and Us should continue dialogue

- China-US cooperation mutually beneficial, also benefits world

- China, US should cooperate to tackle global challenges

- China, US economic competition should be healthy, fair

On Taiwan

- Mainland committed to One-China principle, 1992 Consensus, and national reunification

- Mainland to continue sharing development opportunities with Taiwan compatriots

On government work

- COVID and economic impact largest challenge for the current-term government, which has responded in full force

- Government has focused on stable economic growth, meeting people's needs

On people's livelihoods

- lncreases in incomes and GDP basically in step

- Purpose of economic growth is always to ensure and improve livelihoods

- China to scale up support for compulsory education in rural, remote areas

On common prosperity

- Common prosperity needs common effort, China committed to opening to world

- Chinese economy deeply integrated with world, still offers great investment potential

- China will ensure Chinese, foreign companies to compete on fair, equal footing

- China will unswervingly expand opening-up regardless of changes in international situation