China has stuck to its growth target of around 5% this year as it resolves to "meet difficulties head-on," the country's premier Li Qiang said, and unveiled more stimulus measures to support the economy as the trade war with the U.

Chinas manufacturing sector expanded more than expected in February, driven by strong domestic demand and government stimulus. Official data showed the manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rose to 50.

China has set an ambitious target of “around 5%” growth for 2025. In a speech at the at the opening session of the National People’s Congress (NPC), the country’s rubber-stamp legislature, Chinese Premier Li Qiang acknowledged challenges posed by trade tensions as well as problems facing the Chinese economy.