with politically significant statement of Xi's elevation as the "core leader" by CPC, equating him to the status of party founder Mao Zedong and reformist leader Deng Xiaoping. In the past one year, China's development has faced grave challenges posed by many problems at home and abroad, Li said. Xi was elevated to the "core leader" status, gaining a higher status in the collective leadership system followed by CPC. "An important reason for stressing the need to maintain steady growth is to ensure employment and improve people's lives," Li said. Energy consumption per unit of GDP fell by 5 per cent, Li said.

Source: dna March 05, 2017 11:26 UTC