On the morning of March 15, Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council answered questions from Chinese and foreign reporters in the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People. People's Daily Online reporter Weng Qiyu
People's Daily Online, Beijing, March 15 (Reporter Group in front of People's Daily Online) This morning, Premier Li Keqiang met with Chinese and foreign journalists who interviewed the Fifth Session of the 12th National People's Congress in the Golden Hall on the third floor of the Great Hall of the People and answered questions from reporters.In the past few years, we have been at the peak of the new growth labor force. This year's employment pressure is still relatively large. The number of college graduates reached 7.95 million, a record high, and there are about 5 million secondary vocational graduates, plus the need for excess capacity. Hundreds of thousands of transferred employees and so on. We must create an environment conducive to entrepreneurial employment, instead of relying on the government to provide iron rice bowls, but let the people use labor and wisdom to create or create a golden rice bowl. In the past few years, we have achieved relatively full employment through the creation of posts. Here, I also want to ask journalists, including foreign journalists, to report on China’s employment jobs on their own.
We are fully capable of expanding employment, and we will not and will not allow large-scale mass unemployment. For those who cannot be employed for a while and whose livelihoods are not settled, the government will take responsibility and guarantee their basic life. Thank you.
Singapore Lianhe Zaobao reporter: Hello, Prime Minister. My problem is that this year is the year of the current government. What do you think is the most important achievement in the past four years? What is the most difficult to overcome?
Li Keqiang: The question you asked is short but relatively large. If we talk about the main achievements of the four years of governance, that is, under the leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, the whole country will work together and we will continue to innovate macro-control methods. China’s economic operation will remain in a reasonable range and will always be a medium-to-high-speed growth. The growth rate fluctuation in the past four years is about 1 percentage point, which can be said to be stable. Moreover, this is not achieved by the strong stimulation of flooding, but by promoting industrial and consumption upgrading, making new progress in economic structure optimization, and accelerating the emergence of economic momentum by accelerating the transformation of old and new kinetic energy, and more importantly, driving 5000. More than 10,000 people in urban areas have added employment.
In the past few years, I have been hearing the sound of a hard landing in the Chinese economy. I can say that I can’t stop talking. Last year, with the world's economic and trade growth showing the lowest growth rate in the past seven years, China still maintained medium- and high-speed growth. The practice of these years can prove that the "hard landing" theory of the Chinese economy can rest. The Chinese economy will not make a hard landing. We will maintain medium-to-high-speed growth for a long time and move towards the mid-to-high end level.
Of course, it does not mean that we still have no problems and challenges, so we must promote reform. When it comes to the most difficult thing, it is still deepening reform. For example, the reform of decentralization, the combination of management, and the reform of service optimization will not only touch the interests, but also touch the soul. If we want power to be incapable, we must cut off those powers that we should not have, some involve the interests of the department, and we must reduce the space for rent-seeking. This is not a simple process. From the central government to the local level to the grassroots level, we must get through the "last mile."
I went to some places to see it, and sealed 108 official seals in a simple administration, and replaced them with a common seal. China is too big to know what is going on in similar situations. You may also remember that in the past two years, there were people who showed a project approval for the "Long March Map". It is said that it has become a hundred miles now, and there are many hundred miles, and we must continue to advance. As I said before, no matter what kind of resistance, we have enough resilience to promote reform. Reform is to liberate and develop productive forces, mobilize the enthusiasm of the broad masses of the people, and let the masses get benefits. The political necessity is to lay down Xiaoli, Gu Dayi and the people. Thank you.
Shenzhen Special Zone Daily, unique news client reporter: Hello Prime Minister, I would like to ask you the question is that in October last year you went to Shenzhen to participate in the "National Double Creation Week" main event. According to statistics, 500,000 people participated in the event within a week, and the scene was very hot. In the past year, “mass entrepreneurship and innovation” have flourished, and now the sharing economy is developing very fast, but some people have different opinions. Then, may I ask the Prime Minister, do you think the enthusiasm for "double innovation" will last?
Li Keqiang: "Double creation" can be said to have emerged as the times require. In the era of globalization and "Internet", we promoted the reform of "distribution management" and promoted "mass entrepreneurship and innovation". Over the past three years, an average of more than 40,000 market entities have been registered every day, which is equivalent to more than 10 million new ones each year. I and some foreign leaders are not small countries. When he talked about this, he was surprised that this is equivalent to the total amount of small and medium-sized enterprises in their country. In fact, "double creation" is not only a small and medium-sized enterprise, but also a big business. Now many large enterprises are also promoting "double innovation", creating a lot of space on the Internet, allowing online workers to be customers, and orders. The market needs behind it are combined to better meet the needs of consumers. "Double-creation" covers one, two, three industries and large and medium-sized enterprises, and it has a strong vitality.
“Double Creation” not only drives a large number of employment, but also promotes the implementation of innovation-driven development strategy. It is also a reform, because it captures the most important factor in human productivity, and the wisdom and vitality of people are fully demonstrated. Everyone has an equal opportunity to change their destiny and gain a vertical rise. It has also innovated the production model. Many new formats, such as sharing economy, sharing economy, "internet", etc., can be said to emerge endlessly. Some of these new formats are generated during the process of conversion of old and new kinetic energy, and old and new grafts, and some old trees open new flowers. But in general, it adapts to the needs of the market and adapts to the requirements of consumers' individualization and diversification.
In addition, the growth of new formats has forced the transformation of government functions. Indeed, many of these new formats are unknown in the past. I think that different disputes are normal. We must prudently monitor them with an open attitude and an inclusive concept to promote its healthy development.
I have been thinking, and always think that China has 170 million highly educated and highly skilled people, combined with about 800 million labor, can create wealth, the energy stimulated is difficult to estimate, and will also give the market , including the world market brings huge opportunities. The Chinese people are diligent and intelligent, and have the inexhaustible motive force for pursuing a better life. The government is to create an environment, so that the people's enthusiasm for entrepreneurial innovation is enduring. Of course, "double creation" is like many new things. Some aspects of the development process, some enterprises Will encounter twists and turns, but the general direction is correct. Thank you.
Phoenix Satellite TV, Phoenix Network Reporter: The question I asked relates to the Hong Kong issue. Because this year's government work report, you mentioned the "Hong Kong independence" issue for the first time, pointing out that Hong Kong independence has no way out. Does this mean any change in policy? For example, will it be more emphasized in implementing the principle of "one country, two systems"? Will "one country" weaken the "two systems"? or will the central government's support for Hong Kong be reduced?
Li Keqiang: The policy of "one country, two systems" should be fully understood and implemented. I have already said in the government work report that the practice of "one country, two systems" should not be shaken, not distorted, and not deformed. As for supporting the development of Hong Kong, the Central Government will continue to intensify its efforts to continue to introduce many initiatives that will benefit Hong Kong's development and benefit the cooperation between the Mainland and Hong Kong. For example, last year we introduced the "Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect". We must further explore the open bond market. This is the need of the country and Hong Kong has a platform. For the first time, we are preparing to conduct a “bond pass” in Hong Kong and the Mainland this year, which means allowing overseas funds to buy bonds from the Mainland. Hong Kong is the first month in the vicinity of the water, which is conducive to maintaining the status of Hong Kong's international financial center. It will help Hong Kong residents to have more investment channels and benefit from it, which will benefit Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability. Thank you.
Russian Tass news agency: How do you evaluate China-Russia relations? Can the two countries achieve economic and trade relations in the context of unstable world economy and fluctuations in energy prices?
Li Keqiang: You are very courageous and always ask questions in Chinese. Speaking of Sino-Russian relations, we are each other's largest neighbors and a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation. The healthy and stable development of Sino-Russian relations is not only beneficial to the region but also to the world. Last year, the two heads of state met several times and reached many important consensuses. The meeting between the Chinese and Russian prime ministers has been held as scheduled for many years. This in itself shows the stability of Sino-Russian relations.
As for the economic and trade relations between the two countries, the world economic recovery has been sluggish in recent years and trade growth has been weak. Indeed, Sino-Russian relations have also been affected in some aspects due to the decline in energy prices. I remember that at the press conference last year, I once said that I hope that China-Russia economic and trade relations can have a turning point in the past. Now it should be said that this prophecy has been realized. Of course, this is the result of our joint efforts. In particular, in the first two months of this year, Sino-Russian trade volume has increased substantially. This shows that China and Russia have great potential for economic and trade cooperation and strong complementarity. The economic and trade relations reached between the two sides can be achieved. Thank you.
Caixin.com, Caixin Weekly Reporter: I want to ask a question about the exchange rate. At present, the RMB exchange rate has a certain downward pressure, but to stabilize the exchange rate, either to consume foreign exchange reserves or to strengthen foreign exchange controls. How do you think about the fall in the exchange rate, the decline in foreign reserves, or the cost of foreign exchange controls? What choices do you make?
Li Keqiang: You asked me three questions for me to answer selectively. I think I will answer them separately.
First about the exchange rate. Last year, due to the turmoil in the international currency market, especially the US dollar, many currencies, especially the major international currencies, depreciated sharply against the US dollar, while the depreciation of the RMB exchange rate was relatively small. Because we do not want to increase exports through depreciation, which is not conducive to enterprise transformation and upgrading. We also do not want to fight trade, which is not conducive to the stability of international trade and the monetary system. We adhere to the reform of the RMB exchange rate formation mechanism and implement a managed floating exchange rate system based on market supply and demand. It can be said that with the increase in the flexibility of the RMB exchange rate, we have maintained the basic stability of the RMB exchange rate at a reasonable and balanced level. Of course, this also benefits from the fact that the Chinese economy is basically oriented. The basic stability of the RMB exchange rate is an important contribution to the stability of the international monetary system.
As for foreign exchange reserves, China is the country with the largest foreign exchange reserves in the world. How much does a reasonable foreign exchange reserve need? This may have a process of practical exploration. In short, our foreign exchange reserves are abundant enough to cover imports and meet short-term debt-servicing needs, far above international standards.
As for when we talk about the authenticity and compliance of the use of foreign exchange, in fact, this has long been stipulated by laws and regulations. I am clear here that the reasonable use of foreign exchange for enterprises, residents to study abroad, etc. is guaranteed. The renminbi has a weight in the international monetary system, and the exchange rate will remain basically stable. Thank you.
Reuters reporter: Hello Prime Minister, my problem is also related to employment. This year the Chinese government is prepared to further reduce inefficient supply and expand effective supply. In this process, the government needs to ensure that laid-off workers can find new jobs and ensure their livelihood security issues. If I am a miner or a steel mill worker, what kind of new jobs can I find in the province? Which departments are expected to increase jobs this year?
Li Keqiang: You have made the employment issue more human and personalized. Last year, an important task of promoting supply-side structural reform was to resolve the surplus and backward production capacity of the steel and coal industries. What we are most concerned about is how to place good employees in the process of de-capacity. Therefore, the central government took 100 billion yuan of special funds for the transfer of employees, and required local government support. Last year, 720,000 workers in the process of overcapacity were properly resettled. Of course, there are still some employees who have not reached new jobs due to various factors, including some employees and enterprises who have deep feelings and want to stay for a while. But their lives are all falling.
This year, the capacity will be expanded to the coal-fired power field. In addition, some employees who have not been resettled last year may have nearly one million resettlement. Our approach is to create new jobs because we are driving the development of new kinetic energy. Just now I said that "double innovation" has driven a large number of new jobs. In fact, it has also transferred many traditional kinetic energy jobs. The conversion of old and new kinetic energy has also brought new vitality and vitality to traditional industries, which has given birth to new jobs. Of course, we have not taken it lightly, we will continue to use the special fund and ask the local government to do a good job. Of course, companies must also fulfill their social responsibilities.
If you are a coal miner, this mine has been eliminated, or temporarily suspended. I think you have strong and flexible employability. I suggest that you go to new kinetic energy, or go to the new career generated by the old kinetic energy. . Moreover, many Chinese enterprises are cultural. They have feelings for the old employees and go to work in new jobs. The enterprises will still give some subsidies to help the horses and send them a ride.
All in all, the placement of employees is still the most critical issue in our efforts to promote supply-side structural reforms and to resolve and eliminate excess capacity. Thank you.
澎湃News reporter: On the eve of the two sessions this year, the Chinese government network and 27 online media jointly launched the “I’m saying something to the Prime Minister” to collect opinions, and the news and today’s headlines made an online vote on issues closely related to people’s livelihood. Up to now, 21.31 million netizens have voted for “What should I do after the 70-year housing property expires?”. May I ask the Prime Minister, how is the country prepared to solve this problem?
Li Keqiang: I also want to ask, which of the many questions you have mentioned is ranked first?
澎湃News reporter: first place.
Li Keqiang: There is an old saying in China: There are perseverances in those who have permanent production. Netizens are actually masses, and it is understandable that the 70-year residential land use rights are subject to renewal. The State Council has asked the relevant departments to respond, that is, they can renew, do not need to apply, have no preconditions, and do not affect the transaction. Of course, some people may also say that you only said that there is legal protection? I emphasize here that the State Council has instructed relevant departments to study the law on real estate protection and study the proposal. Thank you.
Thai Manager Reporter: During President Obama’s tenure, he proposed the Asia-Pacific rebalancing strategy. The Trump administration is now formulating a foreign policy toward Asia. Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries hope that the region will maintain peace and stability and will not see China and the United States. There is a conflict in this area, and it is even more reluctant to choose a side station. How do you see China’s role in the Asia-Pacific region now? What is China’s idea of the idealization of order and rules in the region? How does China and the United States continue in this region? Peaceful coexistence?
Li Keqiang: The Asia-Pacific region is a homeland shared by the regional countries. We do not want or want to see the so-called "selection of the sideline team" under the Cold War mentality. What is the matter to speak according to the right and wrong? In general, we must maintain the Asia-Pacific region. Peace and stability. Moreover, in the Asia-Pacific region, we have always regarded ASEAN as the priority direction of China's neighboring diplomacy, supported the construction of the ASEAN Community, and played a central role in regional cooperation. The Asia-Pacific region we hope to see is a stable and orderly region. It is a region where consensus can be reached and principles can be achieved. It is a region with the ability to control differences and a region with wisdom to resolve disputes.
China and ASEAN are advancing the consultations on the South China Sea Code of Conduct and have made substantial progress. We will continue to actively promote it. We hope to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. The relevant disputes will be resolved through direct dialogue between the parties. Peace, stability and development.
China and the United States have cooperated in the Asia-Pacific region for many years, and we have many intersections of cooperation. Many US multinational companies have placed their sales headquarters in the Asia-Pacific region in China. We hope that the common interests of China-US cooperation will continue to expand, so that ASEAN countries can get opportunities from them instead of making you feel troublesome. Thank you.
Xinhua News Agency: Premier, hello. My problem is that we learned in the research interview that some companies now complain that the tax burden is too heavy, and they can't make much money for a long time. There are also consumers complaining that many high-quality products cannot be produced in China. May I ask the Prime Minister, what do you think of this? What are the policy measures for further improvement? Thank you.
Li Keqiang: I have used a lot of space in the government work report and put forward many measures to emphasize that this year we must promote more tax cuts and reductions, especially those administrative fees that are numerous and overwhelmed. These charges are useful, and some are used to "support" and reduce the fees. The government will have to live a tight life. I have made it clear that the central government must take the lead and reduce the general expenditure by more than 5%. I am attending a representative