Chinese premier Li Qiang said today that his country intends to be “an anchor for world peace.”

Speaking to the annual Boao Forum for Asia, held on the Chinese island of Hainan, Mr Li said: “In this uncertain world, the certainty China offers is an anchor for world peace and development.

“This was the case in the past and will remain so in the future.

“To achieve greater success, chaos and conflict must not happen in Asia. Otherwise the future of Asia would be lost,” the prime minister said.

Mr Li said that China will continue undertaking reforms and opening up to the rest of the world.

“No matter how the world situation may evolve, we will stay committed to reform, opening up and innovation-driven development,” Li said.

“We welcome countries around the world to share in the opportunities and benefits that come with China’s development.”

The conference, attended by dozens of business leaders, including Blackstone’s Stephen Scwarzman and Apple chief executive Tim Cook, also heard Mr Li commit his country to “maintaining stability” and expanding “the momentum of economic recovery.”

A former Communist Party secretary for Shanghai, Mr Li was elected to office earlier this month at China’s National People’s Congress.

Mr Li told the conference China’s economic recovery improved in March as he reassured the business and political leaders that his country is committed to opening to the world.

He said that the economy showed “encouraging momentum of rebounding” in January and February and “the situation in March is even better.”

Mr Li said that consumption and investment picked up and “market expectations improved.”

But, he said China will roll out new measures to boost domestic consumption and increase market access for foreign business while ensuring the stability of the financial sector.

“You are all welcome to visit China and take a look,” Mr Li told attendees.

The prime minister was speaking with retail sales in his country rising to 3.5 per cent over a year earlier in January and February.

Government data also showed a 9.2 per cent increase in restaurant spending and a growth in real estate assets accelerating to 5.5 per cent from December’s 5.1 per cent.

The premier also pointed the finger at the US for its continued economic attacks on China, saying that his country opposed “trade protectionism.”

The US has consistently tried to restrict China’s development in key areas such as technology through the use of sanctions to protect their own profits.

Editor: Zhong Yao、Zheng Yifan

From: https://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/article/w/china-prime-minister-addresses-annual-boao-forum-for-asia.（2023-3-30）