China’s No. 2 leader set a healthy economic growth target Friday and vowed to make the nation self-reliant in technology amid tension with the U.S. and Europe over trade and human rights. Another official announced plans to tighten control over Hong Kong by reducing the public’s role in government.

China underscored the efforts to further open up and keep foreign trade and investment stable, as well as to facilitate employment and ensure people's livelihood amid the pandemic.

China will deepen the reform of government functions, foster new drivers of growth, cultivate new forms of industry in the digital economy and keep employment stable, the State Council's executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang decided on Tuesday.

Premier Li Keqiang on Friday stressed enhancing international cooperation in COVID-19 prevention and control to prevent cross-border spread of the epidemic.