China not free rider, but major contributor: Premier

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang speaks at a press conference after the closing meeting of the third session of China's 12th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2015. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Sunday that China is not a free rider and its development at a reasonable speed is huge contribution to the world.

"For such a huge country, how could it easily get a free ride in anybody's train," Li said at a press conference after the conclusion of China's annual parliamentary session. [Special coverage]

China needs to run its own affairs well and maintain its development at a reasonable speed. "I believe that in itself is China's huge contribution to the world," Li said.

At the same time, China is assuming its due international obligations and responsibilities, he said.

"I think what China is doing is working with other countries in pursuing common progress," according to the premier.

Li also said that China is still a developing country in every sense, with around 200 million Chinese people living in poverty.