Li Keqiang

China on Saturday named Li Qiang, a close confidant of top leader Xi Jinping, as the country's next premier nominally in charge of the world's second-largest economy now facing some of its worst prospects in years.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Sunday promised "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan and decisive steps against Taiwanese independence, and Taipei responded that Beijing must respect the Taiwanese people's commitment to democracy and freedom, Reuters reported.

Former Chinese president Hu Jintao was unexpectedly escorted out of the 'Great Hall of the People' in Beijing on Saturday during the closing ceremony of a congress of the ruling Communist Party.

State support for China's economy this year is now greater than it was in 2020, Beijing's premier has said, surpassing help given at the height of the coronavirus pandemic as the country grapples with the impacts of its zero-COVID policy and a property sector crisis.

China's premier has sounded an unusually stark warning about the world's second-largest economy, saying it must return to normal as the country's zero-Covid strategy bites into growth.    

China is the last major economy welded to a policy of mass testing and rapid lockdowns to eliminate virus clusters, but the strict curbs have battered businesses.    

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.

China's parliament voted on March 11 for sweeping changes to Hong Kong's electoral system-- including powers to veto candidates - as Beijing moves to ensure that only "patriots" run the city following huge pro-democracy rallies.

Bulgaria's Premier Boyko Borissov held a phone conversation with his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic. Premier Borissov congratulated China for taking effective measures against the new coronavirus and for the assistance provided to Bulgaria, BNR reported.

Turmoil over amendments to extradition legislation has damaged Hong Kong society on all fronts, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Dec. 16 during a meeting with semiautonomous territory's leader.

"Bulgaria highly values ​​relations with the People's Republic of China. We hope for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations this year we will achieve significant results in practical cooperation and to raise our relationship to a new, higher level. " This was stated by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov during his meeting with Mr.