The steady growth of China's foreign trade against high tariff barriers has demonstrated the country's strong international competitiveness, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a press briefing in Beijing on Wednesday.
Mao made the remarks in response to a question regarding a UN report projecting global economic growth to slow to 2.4 percent in 2025, 0.4 percentage points lower than January's forecast, due in part to trade conflicts.
"The State Council Information Office held a press conference on Monday on China's national economic operation in April. I've noted that international media have widely described China's economic performance as 'beyond expectations' and 'resilient.' Particularly noteworthy is that China's foreign trade has maintained steady growth against high tariff barriers. In the first four months of this year, total goods imports and exports increased by 2.4 percent year on year, with exports growing by 7.5 percent, demonstrating strong international competitiveness," Mao said.
"Meanwhile, China has constantly expanded opening to the world, providing foreign enterprises with greater development space and more stable expectations in the country. All this has fully indicated that China's economy is capable and confident to address various risks and challenges," she said.
Spokeswoman on China's economic performance
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view the United States and Israel's military bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" should Washington take military action against Iran.
At a parliamentary session convened to review an emergency proposal on assembly regulations, Qalibaf emphasized that, at this highly sensitive juncture, Iran must accurately and thoroughly identify the schemes of its adversaries.
Qalibaf said that Iran is currently confronting Israel and the United States simultaneously on four fronts: economic, cognitive, military, and counterterrorism. Of them, the economic warfare and the cognitive and psychological warfare began many years ago and have persisted to this day, growing increasingly complex and intense in recent years.
The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran, taking advantage of its nationwide unrest.
Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.
Amid the ongoing protests, deadly clashes have been reported lately between police and what the government described as "rioters." However, no official death toll has been released.
Also on Sunday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country's economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later that day.
Iran swears to counterattack if attacked
