China holds plenary session of government, former Foreign Minister Qin Gang does not attend

Chinese Premier Li Qiang chaired the meeting. The meeting was held to implement the central government's decisions and arrangements, ensure the completion of the year's tasks and targets, and promote high-quality development of China's economy.

According to Xinhua News Agency, Mr. Li Qiang assessed that since the beginning of the year, the country's economy has generally recovered and improved. He asked the government to adhere to the common view of moving forward in stability, strengthening confidence, maintaining determination, making efforts to control the macroeconomy accurately and effectively, strengthening policy coordination, and continuously promoting the operation of the economy to change for the better while overcoming difficulties.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang chairs the second plenary session of the Government on August 16. (Photo: Xinhua)

He also asked the Chinese government to make efforts to expand domestic demand, continue to expand policy space to expand consumption and promote investment; focus on deepening reform and opening up, carry out a new round of in-depth and upgraded state-owned enterprise reform, optimize the development environment for private enterprises, stabilize foreign trade, make greater efforts in attracting and using foreign investment; focus on preventing and resolving major risks, especially in key areas; and strongly improve administrative efficiency to ensure the completion of assigned tasks.

China's economy is currently recovering less than expected and is facing many difficulties in areas such as real estate, import and export, and youth employment. In July alone, the country's consumer price index (CPI), industrial production index (PPI), industrial output, and retail sales all decreased. However, China has denied deflation and affirmed that the indicators will improve in the near future.

The second plenary session of the Chinese government was attended by four vice premiers and three of the five state councilors, according to Xinhua images. Two councilors were absent: Li Shangfu and Qin Gang. Li Shangfu is currently on a visit to Russia and Belarus.

Qin Gang attended the first plenary session of the new Chinese government on March 17. He has not appeared in public since June 25 and was relieved of his position as Foreign Minister since July 25, but remains a State Councilor. His name is still listed as “Leader of the State Council” on the agency’s official website.

Bich Thuan (VOV-Beijing)

Source: https://vtc.vn/trung-quoc-hop-phien-toan-the-chinh-phu-cuu-ngoai-truong-tan-cuong-khong-du-ar813400.html