Economic growth

Most overseas media coverage drew attention to economic growth goal for 2017 at 6.5 percent, notably The New York Times, the BBC, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, CNN and the CNBC.

“China set a slightly lower economic growth target for this year as the country’s lawmakers began their annual meeting on Sunday.”

“Li Keqiang, China’s Premier, called on Sunday for economic growth this year of ‘around 6.5 percent or higher, if possible,’ slightly more modest than last year’s target of 6.5 to 7 percent.”

--New York Times: “China Lowers Growth Target as Lawmakers Meet”

Financial risks

Reuters also talked about the government’s vigilant attitude toward financial risks.

“We will ensure order in the financial sector and build a firewall against financial risks,” Reuters quoted the Premier as saying.

--Reuters: “China cuts growth target as it pushes through reforms, builds ‘firewall’ against risks”

International politics

The Guardian took a different perspective by noting the Premier’s comments on global issues.

“Speaking in the Great Hall of the People, Premier Li Keqiang urged China to brace itself for ‘more complicated and graver situations’ ahead, as a result of developments ‘both in and outside China’.”

--Guardian: “Chinese Premier warns world entering period of political and economic upheaval”

Blue sky

The Associated Press noticed Premier Li’s pledge to combat air pollution.

“Chinese Premier Li Keqiang pledged Sunday to make the country’s smoggy skies blue again and ‘work faster’ to address pollution caused by the burning of coal for heat and electricity.”

--The Associated Press: “China Premier pledges: ‘We will make our skies blue again”