Chinese economy's trend of long-term sound development remains unchanged: spokesman

The fundamentals sustaining China's sound economic growth in the long run stay unchanged as solid foundations, guarantees and support for promoting the stable operation of the economy remain in place, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Monday.

Fu Linghui, spokesman for the NBS, said at a press conference that since the beginning of this year, China's policies have continued to take effect and show results. The majority of business entities have adapted to changes and sought innovation. The Chinese economy has withstood pressure and achieved stable growth, laying a solid foundation for the stable operation of the economy in the next stage.

From January to May, the production index of the service industry and the total retail sales of consumer goods increased by 5.9 percent and 5 percent respectively year on year, both accelerating compared with the first quarter. The added value of industrial enterprises above the designated size -- those with annual revenue from principal business over 20 million yuan (about 2.7 million U.S. dollars) -- achieved a relatively fast growth rate of 6.3 percent, Fu said.

"China has implemented more proactive and effective macro policies, intensified counter-cyclical adjustments, and accelerated implementing major national strategies and building security capacity in key areas, as well as the implementation of large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-in programs. It has effectively enhanced consumption vitality, driven production growth, promoted transformation and upgrading, and fully demonstrated the important role of macro policies in stabilizing economic operation," Fu said.

"Judging from the situation in the next stage, China's policy toolkit is well-stocked, and macro policies have a fallback option. They can be dynamically adjusted to proactively respond to changes in the situation, and will continue to safeguard the stable operation of the economy," he said. In addition, sci-tech innovation and industrial innovation have been accelerating integration, with emerging industries showing a good development trend and traditional industries rejuvenating and upgrading.

From January to May, the added value of digital product manufacturing enterprises above the designated size increased by 9.9 percent year on year.

From January to April, the operating income of "little giant" enterprises that use special and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products above designated size rose by 18.4 percent, demonstrating the strong vitality of new growth drivers, Fu said.

"In the face of a complex environment, the key lies in resolutely doing our own things well, implementing more proactive and effective macro policies, constantly enhancing the internal driving force for economic development, and responding to the uncertainty of changes in the external environment with the certainty of high-quality development," said the spokesman.

Chinese economy's trend of long-term sound development remains unchanged: spokesman

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests