Asian nations should not be disturbed by 'minor frictions': Li Keqiang

The Chinese Premier's comments come amid China's disputes with regional countries over maritime and territorial claims

Amid China's disputes with regional countries over maritime and territorial claims, Premier Li Keqiang today asked Asian nations to be "good neighbours" and not be disturbed by "minor frictions" to maintain Asia as the key driver of the world economy.

An important reason why Asia had achieved a rapid growth over the past decades is that the region kept a generally peaceful and stable environment, Li said while addressing the opening ceremony of the 2016 Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in Hainan Province.

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Dialogue and cooperation is the golden key, he asserted amid maritime frictions China is involved in with a host of countries, including Japan.

Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan contest China's claim over almost all of the South China Sea. China and Japan were recently involved in a major row of the disputed islands in the East China Sea.

India and China too are making efforts to resolve their boundary dispute which cast a shadow over the development of their relations.

Amid these challenges, Li, while speaking at the Chinese business forum modelled on World Economic Forum of Davos, stressed that inspired by history and experiences after the WWII, Asian countries should be "good neighbours and friends" and not be disturbed by "minor frictions and contradictions" no matter what stage of development they are in.

Citing assertions that the Asian economy is in a difficult situation, Li called for coordination and united efforts to overcome those problems.

On concerns over slowdown of Chinese economy which slipped to 6.9% last year, Li said his government will resolutely take comprehensive measures if the economic growth slips out of the "reasonable range".

Chinese government says that it has avoided stimulus package to revive the economy so far as the economic growth is in the reasonable range.

Li asserted that the government will prevent the loss of speed and maintain economic growth within a reasonable range.

The Chinese government has fixed 6.5-7% as the target for GDP this year.

This year's meeting in Boao, Hainan, is being from March 22 to 25.

Its theme this year is "Asia's New Future: New Dynamics and New Vision'.

More than 2,000 participants from over 60 countries including heads of business houses from India and other countries are attending the forum.

The event features discussions on the macro-economy, politics, entrepreneurship, innovation, the Internet, public well-being and culture.