China's Li cites 'stability' 33 times in congress work report

Premier's speech reveals priority given to boosting economy slammed by COVID-19

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, center, at the opening ceremony of the National People's Congress in Beijing on March 5. Premier Li Keqiang, seated to the right of Xi, read the government work report as is customary every year. (Photo by Yusuke Hinata)

SHIN WATANABE, Nikkei staff writer

March 6, 2023 04:13 JST

BEIJING -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang mentioned "stability" 33 times in his government work report on Sunday, underscoring Beijing's resolve to stabilize an economy battered by the coronavirus.

The work report delivered to the National People's Congress every March by the premier summarizes China's key policies in the previous year and explains policies for the current year. Nikkei examined all the work reports since Xi Jinping began his leadership in autumn 2012 as general secretary and tabulated the frequency of keywords in those speeches.