Trade Tensions
Before the press conference, Li introduced China's four new vice premiers, including Liu He, widely regarded as China's new economic tsar. But adhering to protocol, it was the preimier who did all the talking.
Li said China was confident of achieving its 2018 economic targets. The government aims to expand its economy by around 6.5 percent this year, having easily surpassed the same target in 2017.
China's financial sector was in good shape and banks have enough provisions, Li said, adding that regulators would take "resolute measures" to tackle financial risks.
The Chinese central bank was being given responsibility for drafting important laws covering the banking and insurance sector, with regulation over the $42 trillion sector becoming more streamlined and tighter.
And Li said he was willing to consider a formal visit to Japan, amid signs of improving ties between the two nations.
Tokyo has repeatedly pressed Beijing to do more to help rein in North Korea's missile and nuclear programmes. China says it is committed to enforcing U.N. sanctions but that all parties need to do more to reduce tensions and restart talks.
