Chinese lawmakers joined President Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. The legislature known as the National People’s Congress closed its session, after deputies approved budgets and key measures for the year. As tradition, Premier Li Keqiang held a press conference with reporters, where he discussed a range of topics including the Ukraine conflict, China-U.S.-relations and China’s economy. Beijing has set this year’s economic growth at 5.5%; a target Premier Li acknowledged will be a challenge.

To discuss:

• Yan Liang is a Professor of Economics at Willamette University.
• Neysun Mahboubi is a research scholar with the Center for the Study of Contemporary China, University of Pennsylvania.
• John Gong is a Professor of Economics, University of International Business and Economics.
• Einar Tangen is a political and economic affairs commentator.

For more:

Chinese President Xi Jinping is applauded by members of the government as he arrives for the closing session of China's annual Two Sessions political meeting. #Beijing #China 📸: @kevinfrayer pic.twitter.com/kXkrGUgZ7K

— Getty Images News (@GettyImagesNews) March 10, 2022

China and the United States should step up communications while managing their differences reasonably and constructively, Premier Li Keqiang said https://t.co/5JxoZLdsXk pic.twitter.com/8uE2IiYg7J

— Reuters (@Reuters) March 11, 2022