Premier Li Keqiang meets the press at the Great Hall of the People after the conclusion of the annual national legislative session on March 15, 2017. [Photo/China News Service]

At the press conference on March 15, Premier Li Keqiang used the word “resilience” three times while answering reporters’ questions.

“The government used to intervene in affairs, which constrained market entities, lowered administrative efficiency and even affected its public credibility. Therefore we must conduct self-revolution, staying confident in our resilience to overcome any kind of difficulty ahead,” he said.

“We have enough resilience to push forward the reforms,” he said once again in response to another question.

Premier Li Keqiang meets the press at the Great Hall of the People after the conclusion of the annual national legislative session on March 15, 2017. [Photo/China News Service]

Thanks to such efforts, the government has removed 618 items with State Council departments’ approval, abolished 283 approval items delegated to local governments by the central government, regulated 323 intermediary services, and eliminated 433 vocational qualification certifications over the past four years.

As a result, the country’s economic growth remained in the medium-to-high range for the long term, which was regarded by the Premier as a major achievement of his administration over the last four years.

On the other hand, the government’s resilience was rooted in the hardworking Chinese people.

During an inspection trip to Chongqing, Premier Li praised the spirit of Bang Bang, a nickname for farmers turned porters in this hilly city, who can carry the heaviest luggage and do the hardest jobs. China’s economy relies on such spirit, as a symbol of industrious Chinese people, according to the Premier.

“We are not afraid of difficulties,” said the Premier. “China’s economy has always grown amid the challenges. We displayed great resilience facing them, which only makes us stronger than ever.”

Last year, China saw reforms in many fields including weeding out excess capacity, streamlining administration and cutting taxes and fees, which led to good economic performance according to data in the beginning of this year.