China on track for faster economic growth: Li Qiang
The nation’s economy is expected to expand at a faster pace in the second quarter compared to the 4.5 percent growth recorded in the first three months of the year, Premier Li Qiang said on Tuesday.  He told delegates at the opening of the Summer Davos Forum in Tianjin that China’s economy showed "a clear momentum of rebound and improvement", and that the mainland is on track to hit its growth target of around five percent this year.  In his 30-minute address, the premier said the nation has yet to achieve a balanced development, adding authorities will introduce more practical and effective measures. "We have full confidence and the ability to achieve the steady growth of the Chinese economy on the track of high-quality development in a long time to come," he said at the World Economic Forum's 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions. "This will increase the size of the market, create opportunities of cooperation, and provide a consistent source of dynamism to the world economic recovery and growth, as well as opportunities of win-win cooperation to investors from all countries." The premier also hit out at the West's efforts in "de-risking", calling them "a false proposition". He said no governments or organisations should make decisions for enterprises when it comes to economic risks.  "It is businesses that are most sensitive and are, hence, in the best position to assess such risks. They should be left to come to their own conclusion and make their own choice. Governments and relevant organisations should not overreach themselves, still less, overstretch the concept of risk or turn it into an ideological tool," Li said.  "We should oppose the politicisation of economic issues and work together to keep global industrial and supply chains stable, smooth and secure."  He also called for cooperation in tackling global challenges, saying that the Covid-19 pandemic is unlikely to be the last public health crisis the world would face.  Countries should treasure openness and cooperation after experiencing "ups and downs" from economic globalisation, he said, adding that peace and stability are "a fundamental prerequisite for development and everything else".