China premier says Beijing has ability to deal with risks to economy: gov.cn

[SHANGHAI] Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Monday that China had the confidence and ability to deal with the risks and challenges faced by its economy, according to a statement on the central government's website.

Major economic indicators have stabilised and positive signs are emerging in the world's second-largest economy, Mr Li said, adding that China's performance in the first half of the year had been reasonable.

No mention was made of China's stock market despite an extraordinary weekend of policy moves to stabilise shares. The stock market has slumped 30 per cent since June.

China's top two leaders President Xi Jinping and Premier Li have both been silent about the recent dive in Chinese stocks.

Mr Li's comments came on the same day that the country's statistics bureau said China's economy showed positive changes and economic growth was basically stable.

REUTERS