China: Strong momentum in the economy

China's economy is showing "strong momentum" despite a challenging global environment, with a performance in March that outperformed its January-February performance. Premier Li Qiang, speaking at the opening of the Boao Forum 2023 (the 'Davos of Asia' on the island of Hainan), expressed optimism and promised support for businesses as the country tries to overcome three years of 'zero tolerance' to Covid. "We will launch measures to expand market access, creating a better environment for private companies to break new ground and foreign enterprises to make new investments effectively," Li said. "In this uncertain world, certainty is the China's offer as an anchor for global peace and development," Li added, regarding the unstable post-pandemic economic recovery and rising tensions with the United States. The comments came within weeks of Li's claimed role for China as peacemaker opposing unilateral sanctions, in a rejection of Washington's calls for measures against Russia over the Ukraine conflict, but also against traditional allies such as Iran and North Korea.