BEIJING — A Chinese official said on March 4 that the country should pay attention to external economic risks, including rising trade protectionism and uncertainties from developed economies.

Vice Finance Minister Zhu Guangyao made the remarks before attending a panel discussion during the annual session of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee, which opened March 3.

Zhu, also a national political adviser, said risks may come from new economic policies of the United States and the Federal Reserve’s possible rate adjustments.

China should stick to the main theme of “seeking progress while maintaining stability” in 2017, aiming for more progress in its supply-side structural reform, Zhu said.

He called for more efforts to balance economic tasks this year, including stabilizing growth, advancing reforms, pushing restructuring, improving people’s lives and preventing risks.

China should also intensify efforts to promote innovation-driven growth, Zhu said.