Full text of President Xi's written interview with Russian media

Q4. Can you give us an update on the Chinese economy? What do you expect from the upcoming G20 Hamburg Summit?

Xi: The Chinese economy has stayed on an upward trajectory since the latter half of last year. It got off to a good start this year with a GDP growth rate of 6.9 percent in the first quarter. With profound and effective reform measures in key areas and crucial links, and the synergy created by the endeavor to foster new growth drivers and upgrade traditional ones, the Chinese economy will sustain a steady and robust growth rate.

Global growth continues to gather momentum, as both developed countries and emerging markets show stronger economic performance. However, grave challenges remain. Therefore, it is particularly important for the G20 to play its role as a premier forum for international economic cooperation, implement the consensus of the Hangzhou Summit and all previous summits and shape the future of the world economy. This is in the interests of all. China's expectation of the Hamburg Summit are the following:

First, we look forward to a G20 that continues to uphold the spirit of partnership for win-win cooperation. This is the very spirit that steered the G20 through the international financial crisis, and it will continue to inspire the G20 to set the pace for the world economy. As I said at the welcoming banquet of the Hangzhou Summit, "As long as we accommodate each other and stick together, come rain or shine, we will make steady progress and reach our destination together."

Second, we look forward to a G20 that continues to champion an open world economy. As a pacesetter of the world economy, the G20 should stay committed to open development, support the WTO-centered multilateral trading regime, and make sure that trade and investment remain the drivers of global growth.

Third, we look forward to a G20 that continues to chart the course for innovative growth and long-term governance. Countries need to unleash new drivers of global growth through innovation. It is important to advance the in-depth development of the digital economy and new industrial revolution, increase investment in infrastructure, and employ fiscal and monetary policies and conduct structural reform to achieve strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth of the world economy.

There is a lot in common between the tenor of the BRF in Beijing last May and the theme of the Hamburg Summit - "Shaping an Interconnected World". The Belt and Road Initiative and the G20 may well complement and reinforce each other and jointly boost global growth. China will take the Hamburg Summit as an opportunity to work with all other parties and contribute to global growth and better global economic governance.