But there is potential for common ground on climate change and the pandemic, Chinese foreign minister says.

Beijing’s 2025 goal is in line with climate commitments made last year by Xi Jinping, analysts say.

America ‘must work with allies to ensure they are capable of meeting the challenges and potential threats posed by China’, political scientist Larry Wortzel says.

‘China never starts trouble and never flinches when trouble comes its way,’ says Zhang Yesui, spokesman for the National People’s Congress Foreign Affairs Committee.

Olive branch from Beijing follows increasing concern in Europe that China is a ‘strategic rival’ that may undermine its interests.

Premier promises 11 million new jobs as China tries to ensure social stability, with tax cuts and reduced red tape to help private companies.

Reporters’ hopes they would get to pose a question on one of the burning topics of the day were quickly dashed.

‘Unanswered questions’ over judge-turned-whistleblower who admitted losing documents for major trial results in lowest approval rating in three years.

Li Keqiang refutes spying suggestion, saying it is ‘not how China behaves’ and that Beijing would never require Chinese companies to do so.

Uncertainty persists even as the National People’s Congress passes a law protecting foreign investment in China, and several proposals to fend off an economic downturn.

Country is pumping more resources into developing equipment ranging from better guns to state-of-the-art warplanes, according to armaments specialists.

The southern tropical province is to be transformed into a digital free trade zone, but there is still much to be done as officials struggle to meet the grand plan’s ambitious targets.

China must be ‘prepared to fight tough battles’ this year, the nation’s largest political advisory body is told on the final day of ‘two sessions’.

Camps in far western region where more than 1 million Muslims are said to be held for political re-education have drawn international condemnation.

IPR is a key area of tension in trade relations between the US and China.

President Tsai Ing-wen is ‘delusional’ and is leading the island down a dead end, says Beijing adviser on cross-strait issues.

Updated foreign investment law due to come into effect from January 2020 and stipulates equal treatment for overseas firms.

Lawmakers move to restore confidence in domestic products as people are discouraged from heading overseas to get their children vaccinated.

Country will hit its target a year ahead of schedule, but scientists say they still don’t get enough funds for basic research.

More people are asking for financial details before they give permission for their daughters to get married, according to PBOC vice-governor Chen Yulu.

People’s Bank of China governor Yi Gang says Beijing will not devalue yuan to boost exports or ease trade tensions amid the US-China trade war.

Lending must support real economy and not speculation, regulator says, flagging move that could ease credit crunch squeezing small private firms.

Lawmaker Chen Xiwen says committee is drafting legislation to set out status of Xi Jinping’s campaign to develop countryside.

Researchers say they spend so much time on grant applications that they get no time to do science.

State assets oversight agency denies any ‘systematic arrangement for extra subsidies’ for firms controlled by central government.

Qian Keming, vice-minister of commerce, issues latest defence of controversial scheme, saying it’s not a ‘one-way street’.

Senior Chinese official says delegations from both countries are working around the clock for a deal to scrap extra duties on billions of dollars in imports.

Poor rural villagers stake all on sending their children to university as sustained government campaign fails to reach their remote homes.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi says future of Venezuela is for its people to decide and that cooperation with Beijing in Americas ‘does not target other parties’ or their interests.