GLOBALIZATION
Despite an increase in anti-globalization sentiment and attempts to reverse the trend, Li Keqiang reassured that China opposes protectionism in its different forms, and will work toward a deeper and higher level of opening up.
Li's remarks echoed President Xi Jinping's January speech during the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland, in which Xi said pursuing protectionism is like "locking oneself in a dark room."
In this spirit, Li said, China will push ahead with the Belt and Road Initiative, for example, by accelerating the building of overland economic corridors and maritime cooperation hubs, and deepening international industrial-capacity cooperation.
The initiative, proposed by China in 2013 with the aim of connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along ancient trade routes, has yielded infrastructure projects of all sorts, economic and trade cooperation zones, and jobs.
China will also make big moves to improve the environment for foreign investors, including making service industries, manufacturing, and mining more open to foreign investment, encouraging foreign-invested firms to be listed and issue bonds in China, and allowing them to take part in national science and technology projects, according to the report.
SOVEREIGNTY AND SECURITY
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, and 18th anniversary of Macao's return.
"We will continue to implement, both to the letter and in spirit, the principle of 'one country, two systems,'" Li said, stressing the principle will be steadfastly applied in Hong Kong and Macao without being bent or distorted.
The notion of "Hong Kong independence" will lead nowhere, he warned.
He also voiced opposition against and resolution to contain separatist activities for "Taiwan independence."
"We will never tolerate any activity, in any form or name, which attempts to separate Taiwan from the motherland," Li said.
In addition, China will continue to deepen reforms in national defense and the armed forces.
It will strengthen its maritime and air defense as well as border control amid efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and security, according to the report.
"We will boost military training and preparedness, so as to ensure that the sovereignty, security, and development interests of China are resolutely and effectively safeguarded," Li said.
