China aims for growth of 6.5%

beijing - The Chinese economy has to grow by about 6.5 percent this year, while the budget deficit has to decrease. This was reported by the Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang in a presentation to parliament.

This means that the economic growth target for Beijing remains unchanged compared to 2017. Last year, the Chinese economy posted a growth of 6.9 percent. The government also wants to reduce the budget deficit to 2.6 percent, from 3 percent last year.

Other ambitions expressed by the Chinese government include addressing risks due to high debts and the fight against environmental pollution and poverty. These steps are part of the multi-year plan announced in October by President Xi Jinping to improve the lives of ordinary Chinese.

Li further stated that China is opposed to protectionist measures and that trade disputes must be resolved through negotiations. China, however, will defend its rights and interests, according to the Prime Minister.