'China Willing To Play Positive Role For Peace'

Premier Li Keqiang said on Friday that China is deeply concerned about the situation in Ukraine and is willing to make “constructive efforts” for world peace.

At a press conference, the premier described the situation in Ukraine as “grave” and said he hopes for a return to peace.

He said China will exercise restraint, adding that it is important to support Russia and Ukraine in carrying forward ceasefire negotiations and in achieving a peaceful settlement.

“The pressing task now is to prevent tension from escalating or even getting out of control,” Li said.

The premier was also asked about possible sanctions against Beijing for supporting Moscow.

“Reeling from the Covid-induced shock, the world economy today is already struggling. Relevant sanctions will hurt the world economic recovery. It is in no one’s interest,” Li said.

“China maintains that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected. The purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be observed and the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously,” he said.

“On that basis, China makes its own assessment and will work with the international community to play a positive role for early return of peace.”

Asked if China’s 5.5 percent GDP growth target this year is ambitious given the Ukraine situation and the pandemic, Li said the target was “keeping stable at high levels”.

He admitted that meeting the target will not be an easy task and will need to be supported by macro policies.

“This year we face new downsize risks and challenges. There are a lot of complexities and rising uncertainties. On the basis of more than RMB100 trillion of GDP in China today, a 5.5 percent increase would generate an amount of output equivalent to the size of a medium economy,” Li said.

The premier said worldwide experience has shown that it is hard for such a big economy to keep up a medium to high growth rate.

The policies Beijing has set for this year are based on current realities and long-term development needs have been taken into account, he said.