The premier took questions from Chinese and foreign reporters via video link.

Here are the highlights:

On macro economy

- 5.5% growth target reflects steady progress, high-quality growth - Current development plans based on long-term view - China to increase government spending for stable growth

On Ukraine conflict

- China concerned about Ukraine situation, committed to independent foreign policy of peace - China supports all attempts at peace, urges de-escalation - China willing to work with international community to play positive role for early return of peace in Ukraine - China to continue providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine - Utmost efforts should be made to support Russia, Ukraine in carrying forward ceasefire negotiations - China calls for exercising utmost restraint, preventing massive humanitarian crisis in Ukraine

On financial policy

- Fee and tax reduction most direct, fair and effective measure to help businesses

- Li highlights 2.5 trillion yuan in tax cuts and refunds

- China will give priority to small and micro enterprises in its tax rebates to help them navigate difficulties - Central government's transfer payments to local governments will reach 9.8 trillion yuan this year

On Hong Kong

- Central government fully supports Hong Kong in fighting COVID outbreak - Central authorities understand, support HKSAR government decision to delay chief executive election - China steadfast in implementation of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong

On employment

- China preferably would create over 13 million new urban jobs this year, which is more than its target of 11 million - Li stresses market approaches to creating jobs amid record number of urban job seekers

On COVID-19

- China's anti-COVID policy to continue to be based on science and actual situation

On business environment

- China streamlines administration, delegates power to improve business environment - 150 million market entities in China, mostly privately held

On China-US relations

- China and Us should continue dialogue - China-US cooperation mutually beneficial, also benefits world - China, US should cooperate to tackle global challenges - China, US economic competition should be healthy, fair - Bilateral trade volume will increase if US relaxes export restrictions on China's imports

On Taiwan

- Mainland committed to One-China principle, 1992 Consensus, and national reunification - Mainland to continue sharing development opportunities with Taiwan compatriots

On government work

- COVID and economic impact largest challenge for the current-term government, which has responded in full force - Government has focused on stable economic growth, meeting people's needs

On people's livelihoods

- lncreases in incomes and GDP basically in step - Purpose of economic growth is always to ensure and improve livelihoods - China to scale up support for compulsory education in rural, remote areas

On common prosperity

- Common prosperity needs common effort, China committed to opening to world - Chinese economy deeply integrated with world, still offers great investment potential - China will ensure Chinese, foreign companies to compete on fair, equal footing - China will unswervingly expand opening-up regardless of changes in international situation.

INP/javed