Chinese Premier Dismisses Economic Concerns, Touts Policy Room amid Solid Growth

• Chinese Premier downplays economic risks, says growth policies have room to expand as inflation is low and debt not high • Acknowledges concerns about property and local debt but says issues not as serious as perceived • IMF Managing Director urges China to pursue pro-market reforms for potential 20% GDP growth over 15 years • China reporting solid start to 2023 but economists say more policy support needed to hit 5% annual growth target • Premier highlights measures planned to boost domestic demand, including reducing market barriers and encouraging consumer and business spending