2016年CRI China Sure to Achieve Medium-high Growth in 2016（在线收听）

Wang Guoqing, spokesperson for the fourth session of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference - or CPPCC - says China's economy is generally expanding.

"Viewed against the backdrop of the performance of international economies, China's 6.9-percent growth in 2015 is outstanding, and the Chinese economy is expanding with good quality. The fundamentals of China's economy remain sound. It is resilient, full of potential and has ample wiggle room. The economic data in January showed positive signs. So we're confident in China's economy despite the complicated world economic situation. "

China is on a painful journey of economic re-balancing, trying to ditch its over-reliance on manufacturing and wasteful investment in favor of domestic consumption and services.

However, China still saw a 6.9-percent annual growth in 2015, accounting for about a quarter of economic growth globally, following active and efficient structural reforms to the country's economy.

In such context, the official says China is seeing good momentum in its structural reforms.

"It's because our economy still keeps a good trend over the long term. Our economy still has a good tenacity, and enough potential. Our economy still has a good supporting basis and conditions. Our structural economic reforms still advance forward. The four factors make a difference."

The spokesman says China's business environment for foreigners has improved, not worsened, and the government is firmly determined to build an internationalized environment featuring the rule of law and facilitation of foreign investment.

"I believe China will continue to be the world's popular destination for investment, and profit can be made here. Chinese leaders have reiterated on recent international occasions that China will create good environment for foreign-funded firms and protect their legal interests instead of altering its policy of attracting foreign investment."

Data from the Ministry of Commerce shows that foreign direct investment in the Chinese mainland increased 6.4 percent and the number of newly-registered foreign-funded firms grew 11.8 percent year on year in 2015.

Wang adds the top political advisory body has been considering how to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship and improve financial services, and will make suggestions to the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

In responding to questions on the cooperation between the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, Wang says China's 13th five-year plan which is to be reviewed at the upcoming parliamentary session, will consider the needs of people in Hong Kong and Macao.

"The proposal says clearly that efforts must be made to give full play to the unique strengths of Hong Kong and Macao, and promote their positions and roles in the country's development and opening-up. This underscores that when the central government is designing a national development plan, it places great importance on Hong Kong and Macao, and it has high hopes for them."

Wang adds that the central government will continue to support Hong Kong and Macao as always to sharpen their competitiveness.

He also denounced the mob violence in Hong Kong's Mong Kok area during the Lunar New Year holidays last month, stressing it is the common aspiration of all Hong Kong citizens and in the fundamental interests of the city to seek development, stability, and harmony.

When asked about his stance on some Western countries' accusations of China's militarization of the South China Sea, Wang says the issue should not be utilized as an excuse to contain China's development. And The South China Sea should be a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.

For CRI, this is Wang Mengzhen.