Foreign media paid close attention to comments of Premier Li Keqiang when he held a news conference at the end of the two sessions in Beijing on Wednesday. His response to questions on China-US ties, Korean Peninsula and economic growth made headlines in overseas press.

China-US relations

The Chinese premier said his country's leadership now felt optimistic that the future of US-China relations was "bright".

--The Guardian

China's premier, Li Keqiang, presented an optimistic picture of relations with the Trump administration on Wednesday, arguing that the two sides would be able to overcome their smoldering tensions over trade imbalances, currency policy and geopolitical disputes across Asia.

--New York Times

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang stressed the need for healthy Sino-US relations and reiterated his country's stability across various sectors, including the economy, financial markets and foreign policy, at a Wednesday news conference.

Li said that Beijing and Washington should strengthen dialogue to resolve differences and achieve common ground on trade relations. "China doesn't want to see a trade war with the US," Li said.

In a potential reference to Trump's controversial stance on free trade, Li said Beijing supported globalization and is committed to opening up its economy.

--CNBC

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Chinese leaders "don't wish to see a trade war" with Washington and promised Wednesday to open its state-dominated economy wider to foreign investment and trade.

The two giant economies should "uphold strategic interests," said Premier Li at a news conference held following the close of the annual legislative meeting.

"We don't wish to see a trade war breaking out between the two countries. That wouldn't make our trade fairer," said Li.

--Associated Press

Free trade agreements

China has championed free trade and globalization, and while there have been issues with the process, the country is ready to work with other nations to improve the international governance system, Li said.

--Bloomberg News

Asked about China's role in global free trade, as the US retreated from agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Li said China would continue to open its economy and welcomed progress in regional trading arrangements.

--The Sydney Morning Herald

Korean Peninsula issue

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang called Wednesday for all parties to return to talks amid rising tensions over North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile programs.

He acknowledged the rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula and northeast Asia in general, saying any conflict would be disastrous for all sides.

"So what we hope is that all the parties concerned will work together to deescalate the situation, get issues back on the track of dialogue and work together to find proper solutions," Li said at his annual news conference held on the final day of the annual legislative session.

--Associated Press

Economic growth

This year's work report, presented on March 5, set the nation's 2017 gross domestic product (GDP) target at 6.5 percent, below 2016's year goal of between 6.5 and 7 percent.

Li defended the 2017 target on Wednesday, saying the figure was not low and will not be easy to meet amid domestic and external risks. But the country still has plenty of policy tools at its disposal and will push ahead with reforms, he added. "It's time to stop talking about a China economic hard landing."

--CNBC