Li reaffirms cooperative approach to intl recovery

China has reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing peaceful development and stepping up cooperation with other countries for the recovery of the global economy while staying focused on running its own affairs well, as it celebrates the 72nd National Day, which falls on Friday.

Addressing a grand reception hosted by the State Council in celebration of the anniversary, and in which President Xi Jinping, other Chinese leaders and people of all walks of life in Beijing participated on Thursday, Premier Li Keqiang said China will continue to expand exchanges and cooperation with countries from around the world to jointly tackle global challenges under the principle of mutual respect and equality.

The country will continue to promote the building of a new type of international relations, work to improve global governance and advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, Li said.

He reiterated China will continue to fully and faithfully implement the one country, two systems principle in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions to ensure the regions' long-term prosperity and stability while upholding the country's sovereignty, security and development interests.

Regarding the Taiwan question, Li underlined the importance of adhering to the one-China policy and the 1992 Consensus, and he stressed promoting the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations and reunification with the motherland.

"We will firmly oppose and deter any 'Taiwan independence' separatist moves or external interference, and will work with concerted efforts for the bright future of national rejuvenation," he said.

Noting that reform and opening-up is China's fundamental State policy and an underlying force driving its future growth, Li said the country will comprehensively intensify reform and make new and greater progress in reforms in key fields.

While fostering a market-oriented, world-class business environment governed by a sound legal framework to treat all market players as equals and ensure fair competition among them, Li said China will also pursue higher-quality opening-up and expand the space for mutual benefit and win-win cooperation with other countries.

Regarding China's development, the premier underlined the need to make the growth more stable and coordinated. "We need to keep major economic indicators within an appropriate range and sustain the sound growth of China's economy in the long run."

Foreign envoys in China and international experts working in the country were also invited to attend the reception.

Before the event, Li met with 28 new ambassadors of foreign countries to China and also with the recipients of the Chinese Government Friendship Award. The award is the highest honor for foreign experts who have made outstanding contributions to the country's economic and social progress.

Li told the ambassadors that China stands ready to enhance political mutual trust with all countries and strengthen mutual benefit and win-win cooperation with them to jointly fight the COVID-19 pandemic and promote global economic recovery.

China treats domestic and foreign-funded companies as equals, he said, and added that it welcomes investments from all other countries.

The ambassadors praised China's accomplishments in socioeconomic development, and they said China has played an important role in upholding international and regional peace and stability and promoting world development and prosperity. China's growth will create more opportunities for other countries, they said.

While speaking to the foreign experts, Li said China will keep intensifying international cooperation on technological innovation, actively integrate itself in the global innovation network and continue to support scientists from various countries in developing research dealing with common challenges facing the world.

Saying China maintains a consistent policy of recruiting and respecting people with talent, he stressed that the country will strive to improve regulations and systems for foreigners to work in China, including those of visa applications for competent foreign professionals.