国内英语资讯:China pledges stability, reform in 2017 as key economic meeting ends_时事

国内英语资讯:China pledges stability, reform in 2017 as key economic meeting ends

BEIJING, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday made stability as the basic tone for next year's economic planning, pledging to push for "substantial progress" in supply-side structural reform in 2017, as a key annual conference concluded.

A statement issued after the Central Economic Work Conference, during which Chinese leaders and senior officials gathered to map out priorities for 2017, said "seeking progress while maintaining stability" will be the main theme.

President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang addressed the conference.

This year's meeting is particularly important as 2017 will see the 19th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress, when a new central committee will be elected.

At macro level, China will stick to proactive fiscal and prudent monetary policies in 2017, the statement said, describing monetary policy as "prudent and neutral" and promising better adjustments to ensure stable liquidity.

Monetary policymaking should adapt to changes in the use of money supply tools, and further efforts are needed for smoother transmission of policy, the statement said.

China will keep the yuan basically stable, while improving the flexibility of exchange rates.

"The stance shows the government is trying to find a subtle balance between stabilizing growth and controlling asset bubbles," noted Hong Hao, chief China strategist at BOCOM International.

The statement did not give a specific growth target for 2017, which is usually made public in March when China's top legislature convenes. Analysts largely expect the goal to be lowered to allow more leeway for pushing reforms.