The prospects for the global economy are "not optimistic" from the point of view of the new Chinese Premier Li Qiang. China sees many factors of uncertainty, instability and unpredictable events, the head of government said on Monday at his first press conference at the end of this year's annual session of the People's Congress in Beijing. "Stabilizing economic growth is a challenging task, not only for China, but for all countries in the world," Li said. It will not be easy for China to achieve "around five percent" growth as planned.

The country needs to further expand its innovation capacity and focus on high-quality development. In addition, China must accelerate the development of a modern market system. The development of the economy is the fundamental solution for job creation, he explained. China will therefore continue to pursue a strategy that focuses on employment. The country will "unswervingly deepen reforms and opening-up."

Li pleaded for expanding cooperation between China and the US. Decoupling serves no one. In economic and trade, the two largest economies are closely linked, from which both have benefited. "China and the US can and must work together."

He indirectly repeated the accusation by state and party leader Xi Jinping that the US wanted to prevent China's rise in the world through containment and isolation: "Encirclement and repression is in nobody's interest," Li said. Unlike the president and Foreign Minister Qin Gang in the course of the meeting, however, Li struck a comparatively conciliatory tone towards the US.

To avoid surprises, the press conference was carefully orchestrated. Questions usually have to be submitted and approved in advance at such events in China. Nevertheless, first insights into Li's style were hoped.

Xi wants to further upgrade

According to the re-elected leader Xi, China must invest in its security to become a "great wall of steel". "Security is the foundation for development, stability is the prerequisite for prosperity," Xi said at the end of the annual parliamentary session. In his first speech in his third term as head of state, he called for China to improve its ability to protect national security and manage public security.

China also needs to gain more autonomy and strength in science and technology, Xi said. The call comes against the backdrop that the US is increasingly blocking China's access to chip manufacturing facilities and other cutting-edge technologies. Referring to Taiwan, which China claims and is a major semiconductor manufacturer, Xi said China must resist independence and secession aspirations, as well as interference from external forces.

The ruling Communist Party is expected to expand its influence on security issues after Xi filled key political positions with close confidants, cementing his power. The new government formation was the largest in ten years.