LI KEQIANG

BEIJING — (AP) — Chinese economic officials expressed confidence Monday they can meet this year’s growth target of “around 5%” by generating 12 million new jobs and encouraging consumer spending following the end of anti-virus controls that kept millions of people at home. Efforts to revive the Chinese economy have global implications after weak retail, auto and housing sales depressed demand for imports. This year's job creation target is 12 million, up from last year’s goal of 11 million and below the 12.1 million that was achieved, according to Li. That will add to pressure on Chinese export industries that support millions of jobs, increasing the importance of self-sustaining business activity at home. The growth target is the lowest on record except for 2020, when the government dropped its goal at the start of the COVID pandemic.

Chinese economic officials have expressed confidence they can meet this year’s growth target of “around 5%” by generating 12 million new jobs and encouraging consumer spending.

For most of his career, Li was known as a cautious, capable, and highly intelligent bureaucrat who rose through, and was bound by, a consensus-oriented Communist Party that reflexively stifles dissent. Among the largely faceless ranks of Chinese bureaucrats, Li managed to show an unusually candid streak. Though no populist, in his speeches and public appearances, Li was practically typhonic compared to the typically languorous Xi. But the need to balance party factions prompted the leadership to choose Xi, the son of a former vice premier and party elder, as the consensus candidate. “Li may be the last premier of his type, at least for a while,” Mitter said.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is taking his final bow in a departure that marks a shift from the technocrats who have helped steer the world's second-biggest economy in favor of officials with unquestioned loyalty to President Xi Jinping.

After a decade in Chinese President Xi Jinping’s shadow, Li Keqiang is taking his final bow as the country's premier, marking a shift away from the skilled technocrats who have helped steer the world’s second-biggest economy in favor of officials known mainly for their unquestioned loyalty to China’s most powerful leader in recent history. After exiting the ruling Communist Party’s all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee in October — despite being below retirement age — Li’s last major task was delivering the state of the nation address to the rubber-stamp parliament on Monday. Once seen as a potential top leader, Li was increasingly sidelined as Xi accumulated ever-greater powers and elevated the military and security services in aid of the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation."

The National People’s Congress opened in Beijing. China’s rubber-stamp parliament is expected to approve a government overhaul that extends Xi Jinping’s control.

China has expanded its defense budget by 7.2%, up slightly from last year’s 7.1% rate of increase.

Premier Li Keqiang, the top economic official, set this year's official growth target at “around 5%” following the end of anti-virus controls that kept millions of people at home and triggered protests. They complain China steals or pressures foreign companies to hand over technology and improperly subsidizes and shields its fledgling competitors in violation of its market-opening commitments. If achieved, the official growth target would be an improvement over last year but down sharply from 2021’s 8.1%. Foreign business groups said last year global companies were shifting investment plans away from China because travel curbs blocked executives from visiting the country. “China is sure to provide even greater business opportunities for foreign companies,” he said.

BEIJING — (AP) — China’s government on Sunday set this year's economic growth target at “around 5%” as it tries to rebuild business activity following the end of anti-virus controls that kept millions of people at home. Premier Li Keqiang, the top economic official, announced the target in a report on government work to the ceremonial legislature, the National People’s Congress. Chinese leader Xi Jinping said earlier this year’s official priority is an economic revival based on consumer spending after growth sank to 3% last year, its second-lowest level since at least the 1970s. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

This year, the Two Sessions is also set to formalize government titles for the new premier, vice premiers and heads of different ministries.

China’s government has set this year’s economic growth target at “around 5%” as it tries to rebuild business activity following the end of anti-virus controls that kept millions of people at home.

The installation of new leaders and the need to shore up a flagging economy will dominate the annual session of China's rubber-stamp parliament that kicks off Sunday.

China’s parliament — the National People’s Congress — is meeting for the first time since the end of Covid Zero to hear how the country’s top leaders plan to restart the country’s growth engine. Then the roughly 3,000 deputies will give their ceremonial seal of approval — no surprise — to everything proposed. Still, the annual session is worth watching in that it provides a chance to see China’s future leaders in action. Li Qiang, who’s poised to become the premier and is already the Communist P

NUSA DUA, Indonesia — (AP) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Tuesday he has tested positive for COVID-19 at the Group of 20 meetings in Bali, just days after hosting many world leaders, including President Joe Biden, for a summit in Phnom Penh. In a posting on his Facebook page, the Cambodian leader said that he had tested positive Monday night and that the test had been confirmed by an Indonesian physician. He said he was returning to Cambodia and was canceling his meetings at the G-20 as well as the following APEC economic forum in Bangkok. Cambodia was the host of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation summit that ended on Sunday, and Hun Sen met with many leaders who attended one-on-one. In addition to Biden, guests included Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and many others.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Tuesday he has COVID-19 and is leaving the Group of 20 meetings in Bali, just days after hosting President Joe Biden and other world leaders for a summit in his country’s capital.

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — (AP) — Cambodian leader Hun Sen called for unity Sunday, telling a gathering including Russia, China and the United States that current global tensions have been taking a toll on everyone. The prime minister, whose country holds the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, said at the opening of the East Asia Summit that it was in the world's common interest to cooperate to solve differences peacefully. The comments come as regional tensions remain high between the United States and China over Taiwan and Beijing's growing regional aspirations, and while the Russia invasion of Ukraine has disrupted global supply chains, causing rising energy and food prices far beyond Europe. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was also taking part in the meetings, which also included the leaders of Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan and others. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Indonesia’s president is vowing not to let Southeast Asia become the front lines of a new Cold War amid increasing tensions between the United States and China.

Southeast Asian leaders are convening in Cambodia, faced with the challenge of trying to curtail escalating violence in Myanmar while the country’s military-led government shows no signs of complying with the group’s peace plan.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for peace talks over Ukraine and warned against the conflict going nuclear in a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who urged China to exert its influence on Russia.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz is making his first visit to China as German leader this week, a diplomatically delicate trip while Germany and the European Union work on their strategy toward an increasingly assertive and authoritarian Beijing.

Investors fear Chinese President Xi Jinping's tightened grip on power will lead to continued strict policies on the tech sector.

BEIJING — (AP) — The twice-a-decade congress of China's ruling Communist Party is a tightly choreographed event. So when former Chinese President Hu Jintao was guided off stage without explanation Saturday — as the world’s media looked on — questions spilled forth. Xi has previously gone after retired officials on corruption charges, though never one as high-ranking as Hu. The idea that it may have been more than a health issue stemmed from Hu's somewhat ambiguous relationship with Xi, who succeeded him as party leader in 2012. It was Deng who put Hu on the all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee — from which China's leaders come — at the relatively tender age of 49.

Questions abound after former Chinese President Hu Jintao was suddenly escorted offstage at an important moment during the tightly choreographed ruling party congress.

The twice-a-decade congress of China's ruling Communist Party is a tightly choreographed event. The speculation ran from a health crisis to an attempted protest by the 79-year-old former leader, or a political purge by current President Xi Jinping. China's tightly controlled state media didn't report the incident, but the official Xinhua News Agency tweeted in English several hours later — as speculation raged overseas — that Hu was in poor health and needed to rest.

The Chinese leader moves into a historic third term in power in a break from decades-long tradition.

Xi, who took power in 2012, was awarded a third five-year term as general secretary, discarding a party custom under which his predecessor left after 10 years.

In remarks Sunday, Xi emphasized the Party's leadership in "a new journey to turn China into a modern socialist country," according to an official translation.

The closing of the congress saw Xi Jinping at the peak of his power with his philosophy enshrined at the core of the party doctrine and his rivals sidelined.

A party congress held every five years effectively removed four of the seven members of senior leadership — including Premier Li Keqiang, the nation's No. The congress was being watched for signs of any weakening of or challenge to Xi's position, but none was apparent. Only 11 women were among the 205 people named to the Central Committee, or about 5% of the total. Those percentages were roughly the same as in the last Central Committee. “The Communist Party of China is once again embarking on a new journey on which it will face new tests,” he said.

Premier Li Keqiang, China's No. 2 official, is among four of seven members of the nation's all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee who will not be reappointed in a leadership shuffle Sunday.

BEIJING — (AP) — Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, the nation's No. They were not on the list released Saturday of the ruling Communist Party's new 205-member Central Committee, which means they cannot serve on the Standing Committee. BEIJING (AP) — China’s ruling Communist Party approved an amendment of the party constitution Saturday that could further enhance Xi Jinping’s stature as China's leader. The expected move came at the closing session of a weeklong party congress that set the national agenda for the coming five years. Xi is expected to retain the top spot when the new leadership of the party is unveiled Sunday.

China’s ruling Communist Party reaffirmed President Xi Jinping’s continued dominance in running the nation Saturday.

Xi Jinping is primed to receive a third five-year term as head of China's ruling Communist Party on Sunday.

The congress will name a new Standing Committee, China's inner circle of power, and other party leaders, not economic regulators. Xi has called for a “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by reviving the party’s “original mission” as economic and social leader. Xi is expected to try to break with tradition and award himself a third five-year term as party leader. 2 or 3 party leader, declared his allegiance by publishing a newspaper article in July that invoked Xi's name 48 times. Potential dark horse candidates include party secretaries Li Qiang of Shanghai or Chen Min'er of the populous city of Chongqing in the southwest.

The congress will name a new Standing Committee, China's inner circle of power, and other party leaders, not economic regulators. Xi has called for a “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by reviving the party’s “original mission” as economic and social leader. Xi is expected to try to break with tradition and award himself a third five-year term as party leader. 2 or 3 party leader, declared his allegiance by publishing a newspaper article in July that invoked Xi's name 48 times. Potential dark horse candidates include party secretaries Li Qiang of Shanghai or Chen Min'er of the populous city of Chongqing in the southwest.

Xi has called for a “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by reviving the party’s “original mission” as economic and social leader. Xi is expected to try to break with tradition and award himself a third five-year term as party leader. 2 or 3 party leader, declared his allegiance by publishing a newspaper article in July that invoked Xi's name 48 times. Potential dark horse candidates include party secretaries Li Qiang of Shanghai or Chen Min'er of the populous city of Chongqing in the southwest. That suggests Xi will tighten party control, “further narrowing the space for liberal approaches to economic policy,” Neil Thomas of Eurasia Group said in a report.

President Xi Jinping, China’s most influential figure in decades, gets a chance to stack the ranks with allies who share his vision of intensifying pervasive control over entrepreneurs and technology development at a meeting of the ruling Communist Party that starts this weekend.

Experts in Chinese politics are searching for clues about just how much power the current leader has — and how long he could hold it.

The ruling Communist Party of China is expected to begin its 20th National Congress on Oct. 16 to select a new leadership team.

BEIJING — (AP) — Chinese President Xi Jinping reappeared on state television Tuesday after a several-day absence from public view that sparked rumors about the 69-year-old leader’s political fortunes. The visit was Xi’s first appearance on television since he returned from a regional summit in Uzbekistan last weekend. China’s opaque system frequently gives rise to rumors of political infighting or attempted coups, despite the stable nature of the authoritarian surveillance state that cracks down relentlessly on any sign of dissent. However, the timing of Xi's absence just weeks before the convening of a key party congress held once every five years provided grist to the rumor mill. China politics expert Kerry Brown said he was highly skeptical that there was anything more to be read into Xi's brief absence.

Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela offered condolences to the United Kingdom on Friday following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning British monarch.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has called on six provinces to take the lead in supporting the country's growth after July data showed a slowdown across the board.

China’s 11 million university graduates are struggling in a bleak job market as repeated shutdowns under China’s “zero-COVID policy” force companies to retrench and drive many restaurants and other small employers out of business.

The world’s second-largest economy may have contracted in the three months ending in June, experts say, though Beijing is likely to report modest growth.

"While most high-profile lockdowns were relaxed in May, June data do not show the powerhouse bounce-back most expected," according to a report released Tuesday.

Australia had fired the “first shot” in its deteriorating relations with China four years ago when the then-government banned Chinese-owned telecommunications giant Huawei from rolling out the country’s 5G network due to security concerns, a Chinese ambassador said on Friday. Xiao Qian, China’s ambassador to Australia since January, gave a rare public address at University Technology Sydney that was repeatedly interrupted by human rights protesters. The address comes as China shows signs of thawing a diplomatic deepfreeze of Australian ministers following the election of a new government last month.

Ahead of key Communist Party Congress, political tea-leaf reading has kicked into overdrive to determine the future shape of Xi Jinping's power.

Hong Kong's next leader, John Lee, has received an official letter of appointment from Beijing a month before he is to take over the leadership of the semi-autonomous city. (Yao Dawei/Xinhua via AP) (Yao Dawei)HONG KONG — (AP) — Hong Kong’s next leader, John Lee, received an official letter of appointment from Beijing on Monday, a month before he is to take over the leadership of the semi-autonomous city. Lee received his letter of appointment from Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who congratulated him on his selection as Hong Kong's next chief executive. Premier Li also expressed full support for Lee and urged him to develop Hong Kong's economy and improve the livelihoods of its people. Lee is expected to be sworn in as Hong Kong’s new chief executive on July 1, the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China.

John Lee has received his official letter of appointment from Beijing a month before he takes over as leader of Hong Kong.

Li Keqiang issued the stark warning as the economy stalled under pressure from multiplying covid restrictions and shrinking demand.

China held a rare nationwide meeting via teleconference Wednesday to bolster an economy battered by Covid.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting South Pacific nations amid concerns over Beijing's growing military and diplomatic presence in the region.

Australia’s new government has urged China to lift trade sanctions if it wants to reset a bilateral relationship that plumbed new depths under the previous administration.

New Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese walked into a global spotlight the day after his swearing-in.

China’s leaders are struggling to reverse a deepening economic slump without giving up a “zero-COVID” strategy that shut down Shanghai and other cities.

Solomon Islands China FILE - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, left, and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare review an honor guard during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019. But in his address to parliament, Manasseh Sogavare defended the security agreement as being directed entirely to “our internal security situation." “Despite the Solomon Islands government’s comments, the broad nature of the security agreement leaves open the door for the deployment of P.R.C. (People’s Republic of China) military forces to the Solomon Islands,” Price said. Micronesia and other Pacific Island nations have also expressed concerns about the deal, as has the Solomon Islands’ main opposition party.

The Solomon Islands prime minister has confirmed that his government has signed a new security agreement with China, but told lawmakers it would not undermine the peace and harmony of the region, as has been feared by the opposition and countries including the United States and Australia.

China’s economic growth edged up to a still-weak 4.8% over a year earlier in the first three months of 2022 as spreading coronavirus outbreaks prompted shutdowns of major industrial cities. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File) (Andy Wong)BEIJING — (AP) — China’s economic growth edged up to a still-weak 4.8% over a year earlier in the first three months of 2022 as a wave of coronavirus outbreaks led to shutdowns of industrial cities. That is "likely to have a significant impact on global supply chains.”First quarter economic growth was below the ruling Communist Party’s annual target of 5.5%. Retail spending, factory output and investment in factories, real estate and other fixed assets rose. Factory output rose 6.5% and investment in factories, real estate and other fixed assets increased 9.3%, possibly reflecting official orders to banks to lend more readily.

China’s economic growth edged up to a still-weak 4.8% over a year earlier in the first three months of 2022 as a wave of coronavirus outbreaks led to shutdowns of major industrial cities.

Asian shares have fallen in muted trading as markets closed for Good Friday and other holidays.

Anti-virus controls are shutting down some of China’s biggest cities and fueling public irritation as infections rise.

Asian shares are mostly lower as investors eye the war in Ukraine and what the world’s central banks might do to keep inflation in check.

China EU FILE - EU and Chinese flags are seen at the Europa building in Brussels, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019. The European Union will seek China's assurances that it won't assist Russia in circumventing economic sanctions leveled over the invasion of Ukraine at an annual summit Friday, April 1, 2022. Zhao said when it comes to Ukraine, Beijing would not be forced to “choose a side or adopt a simplistic friend-or-foe approach. Prior to the summit, EU officials said they would look for signs that Beijing is willing to cooperate on ending the war. ___Follow all AP stories about developments in Russia's war on Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.

China EU FILE - EU and Chinese flags are seen at the Europa building in Brussels, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019. The European Union will seek China's assurances that it won't assist Russia in circumventing economic sanctions leveled over the invasion of Ukraine at an annual summit Friday, April 1, 2022. Prior to the annual meeting, EU officials said they would also look for signs Beijing is willing to cooperate on bringing an end to the war in Ukraine. The summit takes place amid sharply rising negative sentiment toward China within the bloc, fueled by China's increasingly aggressive foreign policies and trade practices. Beijing has dismissed European criticisms as biased and driven by an anti-China agenda being pursued by its chief global rival, the United States.

China is renewing its criticism of Western sanctions against Russia and says it won't be forced to choose sides in the conflict in Ukraine.

Solomon Islands China Security FILE - Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, left, and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang attend a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on Oct. 9, 2019. (Thomas Peter/Pool Photo via AP, File) (Thomas Peter)WELLINGTON, New Zealand — (AP) — Seeking to counter international fears over its new security alliance with China, the Solomon Islands said Friday it won't allow China to build a military base there. In a statement Friday, the Solomon Islands government said that “contrary to the misinformation promoted by anti-government commentators” the agreement did not invite China to establish a military base. Micronesia President David Panuelo wrote a letter to Sogavare saying Micronesia had “grave security concerns” about the "novel and unprecedented" arrangement. “China-Solomon Islands cooperation does not target any third party and is not in conflict with Solomon Islands’ cooperation with other countries.

A leaked document indicates China is looking to boost its military presence in the Solomon Islands, including with ship visits.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a rescue operation and investigation into a China Eastern Airlines jet that crashed into a mountain during a domestic flight on Monday. Flight MU5735, which carried nine crew members and 123 passengers, reportedly went down near Wuzhou in the Guangxi autonomous region just before 2:30 p.m., Beijing time. VariFlight, a China-based civil aviation data provider, said the plane was up at about 8,900 meters (approximately 29,200 feet) when it started to slow down and descend at 2:19 p.m. Minutes later, it dropped to 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) and lost radar contact.

China’s leaders are trying to calm jittery investors by promising more help for its struggling real estate industry, internet companies and entrepreneurs who want to raise money abroad.

The closing of several important Chinese manufacturing hubs will further disrupt the world's already strained supply chains.

China's government hopes to generate as many as 13 million new jobs this year to help reverse a painful economic slowdown, the country's No. (Ding Haitao/Xinhua via AP) (Ding Haitao)BEIJING — (AP) — China's government hopes to generate as many as 13 million new jobs this year to help reverse a painful economic slump but faces “many difficulties and challenges," the country’s No. Forecasters say the ruling Communist Party is likely to struggle to meet its official target of 5.5% annual economic growth, its lowest since the 1990s. “China aims to create 11 million — or preferably 13 million — urban jobs in 2022,” Li said at a nationally televised news conference after the closing of the annual meeting of China’s ceremonial legislature. The world’s second-largest economy created 12.7 million jobs last year, up from 2021′s 11.9 million, according to government data reported earlier.

China’s No_ 2 leader says the government hopes to generate as many as 13 million new jobs this year to help reverse a painful economic slump but faces “many difficulties and challenges."

The country is gradually inching away from its "zero covid” policy but will not tolerate large-scale spread of the virus.

Ukrainian officials are accusing Russia of damaging a cancer hospital and several residential buildings in the southern city of Mykolaiv with shelling.

Job losses spiked after economic growth slid to 4% over a year earlier in the final quarter of 2021, down from the full year's 8.1% expansion. Economic growth tumbled last year after Beijing tightened control on surging debt in the real estate industry, which Chinese leaders say is dangerously high. The ruling party earlier announced an annual economic growth target of 5.5%. Russia's attack on Ukraine echoes Beijing's tensions with Taiwan, the self-ruled island democracy the ruling party claims as part of its territory and has threatened to invade. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Wednesday said China “urges the U.S. to disclose details on U.S.-financed biological labs in Ukraine, including types of viruses stored and research has been conducted."

Stocks fell again after another bumpy day of trading on Wall Street Friday, marking the fourth losing week in the last five.

Job losses spiked after economic growth slid to 4% over a year earlier in the final quarter of 2021, down from the full year's 8.1% expansion. Li said Chinese business leaders he talked with support tax cuts as the quickest way to generate jobs instead of government-led investment or handing out vouchers to households to boost consumer spending. Economic growth tumbled last year after Beijing tightened control on surging debt in the real estate industry, which Chinese leaders say is dangerously high. The ruling party earlier announced an annual economic growth target of 5.5%. Li earlier announced plans to inject money into the economy through higher spending on public works but said Beijing wants to restrain its budget deficit.

BEIJING — (AP) — China’s premier on Friday called the situation in Ukraine “grave” and offered Beijing’s help in playing a “positive role” for peace while continuing to refuse to criticize Russia. Li Keqiang told reporters at an annual news conference that “we support and encourage all efforts that are conducive to a peaceful settlement of the crisis.”“The pressing task now is to prevent tension from escalating or even getting out of control," Li said. China has largely sided with Russia in the conflict, which it has refused to refer to as a war or invasion. The U.S. accuses Beijing of helping spread false news and disinformation coming out of Moscow. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

China’s premier is calling the situation in Ukraine “grave” and offering Beijing's help in playing a “positive role” for peace while continuing to refrain from criticizing Russia.

China’s Premier Li Keqiang on Friday called the situation in Ukraine “grave” and offered Beijing’s help in playing a “positive role” for peace while continuing to refuse to criticize Russia. China has largely sided with Russia in the conflict, which it has refused to refer to as a war or invasion. The U.S. accuses Beijing of helping spread false news and disinformation coming out of Moscow.

A top Chinese leader has warned of “rising uncertainties” and pledged tax cuts to shore up growth.

China is tackling a COVID-19 spike with selective lockdowns and other measures that appear to slightly ease its draconian “zero tolerance” strategy.

Public anger over a particularly egregious case of human trafficking in China has prompted a government response, elevating it as one of the most visible issues at the annual session of China's rubber-stamp legislature.

China is calling Russia its “most important strategic partner" as Beijing continues to refuse to condemn the invasion of Ukraine despite growing pressure from the U.S. and EU to use its influence to urge Moscow to pull back.

China’s Foreign Minister on Monday called Russia Beijing’s “most important strategic partner,” amid its continued refusal to condemn the invasion of Ukraine. Wang Yi said ties with Moscow constituted “one of the most crucial bilateral relationships in the world." China has broken with the U.S., Europe and others that have imposed sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.

2 leader, Premier Li Keqiang, said in a report to an annual meeting of its ceremonial legislature. No growth target was announced in 2020 after much of the economy was shut down to fight the virus. The ruling party has promised tax cuts for entrepreneurs who generate jobs and wealth. The ruling party is promising to build more solar, wind and other renewable power resources. Beijing will “advance peaceful growth of relations across the Taiwan Strait and the reunification of China,” Li said.

An annual government report is fueling debate over whether Beijing would attempt a takeover of the self-ruled island similar to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

China is raising its defense spending in 2022 by 7.1% to $229 billion, up from a 6.8% increase the year before.

China has cut its annual economic growth target to its lowest level in decades as Beijing tries to reverse a slump at a time when Russia’s war on Ukraine is pushing up oil prices and roiling the global economy.

China’s 3,000-member ceremonial parliament will open its annual session Saturday with the government facing a slowing economy and international pressure over its refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The annual meeting of China's mostly ceremonial legislature usually showcases grand, long-term plans.

For all the talk of a diplomatic boycott, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has managed to attract a globe-spanning roster of presidents, royals and other dignitaries to the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics.

Asian countries are looking to a China-centered trade bloc encompassing about a third of world trade and business activity to help power recoveries from the pandemic.

Chinese leaders have promised tax cuts and support for entrepreneurs to shore up slumping economic growth as the country grapples with a wave of bankruptcies and defaults among real estate developers caused by a campaign to rein in surging debt.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping emerges from a party conclave this week not only more firmly ensconced in power than ever, but also with a stronger ideological and theoretical grasp on the ruling Communist Party's past, present and future.

Asian shares are rising, boosted by the U.S. Federal Reserve's announcement on winding down the extraordinary aid for the economy it has been providing since early in the pandemic.

President Joe Biden has told leaders at the East Asia Summit that China’s recent actions in the Taiwan Straits are “coercive” and undermined peace and stability in the region.

Transit officials and experts say this summer’s storms were the latest reminders that more needs to be done to prepare the East Coast’s vital transit systems in the face of more extreme and unpredictable weather caused by climate change.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has paid respects at a commemoration for those who died in the struggle to establish Communist Party rule as he leads a drive to reinforce patriotism and single-party authority.

Britain’s Serious Fraud Office says it is investigating suspected fraud, fraudulent trading and money laundering within the business empire of Liberty Steel owner Sanjeev Gupta, including its financing arrangements with bankrupt Greensill Capital U.K.