Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met the press at the Great Hall of the People after the conclusion of the third session of the 13th National People's Congress Thursday afternoon in Beijing.

Li took questions from Chinese and foreign reporters via video link as Beijing continues to observe epidemic prevention and control measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are the highlights of the press conference:

Impact of COVID-19 on China's economy

It is impossible for the Chinese economy to stay immune to the global environment, as it is deeply integrated into the global economy, said Premier Li at the press conference.

Not setting a growth target this year "does not mean that economic development is not important," said Li.

China has set goals and tasks in six serious areas. The six areas refer to job security, basic living needs, operations of market entities, food and energy security, stable industrial and supply chains, and the normal functioning of primary-level governments.

"What we want is to promote China's high-quality economic development," Li told reporters.

The country is expected to achieve positive economic growth this year if security is ensured in six key areas, he said, adding that China will be able to fulfill the tasks and goals for the whole year and complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. 

More: China focuses on stable growth with quality gains: Premier Li Keqiang

Identification of the source of the new coronavirus

China and many other countries believe it is important to clearly identify the source of the new coronavirus, Premier Li said.

"We believe that getting clear of the virus on the basis of science will help us to contain the spread of COVID-19 and better help us to save lives."

Li stressed that China will continue to adopt a science-based, open, and transparent approach in dealing with COVID-19. 

China is open to international cooperation on the research and development of vaccines, medicines and testing reagents for COVID-19, and is willing to share the deliverables with the world, Li added.

All countries are now confronted with dual challenges: Containing the virus but also getting back to normal, Li pointed out, calling on joint efforts to combat the pandemic and develop the economy. 

"The whole international community must come together to eventually prevail over the pandemic," he said.

'One Country, Two Systems'

"One Country, Two Systems" is China's basic state policy, stressed Li when asked whether China has adjusted its policy towards Hong Kong and abandoned the "One Country, Two Systems" principle. 

The decision adopted at the NPC session is designed for the steady implementation of "One Country, Two Systems" and for Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity, said Li.

More: China adopts draft decision on national security law for HKSAR

China-U.S. ties 

China-U.S. ties are facing new problems and new challenges, Li said at the press conference. 

There are opportunities for the two sides to cooperate in both traditional and non-traditional areas. There are also extensive exchanges between the two countries in the fields of trade and economics, science and technologies, and culture, Li pointed out. 

There is an extensive common interest between China and the U.S., Premier Li stressed, adding that China-U.S. decoupling will not benefit anyone. 

Source: CGTN