China's trade rep says 'external pressures' can help economy

Chinese media reported Thursday that the country's top trade negotiator said "external pressures" can help the country's economy.

Vice Premier Liu He, speaking at a forum in Shanghai, described the pressures that China is currently facing as an "inevitable test," according to Hong Kong's South China Morning Post and mainland Chinese media outlets.

"The external pressure will help us improve innovation and self-development, speed up reform and opening up, and push forward with high-quality growth," Liu said.

He did not directly reference the U.S.-China trade dispute, according to the South China Morning Post. The U.S. has accused China of stealing trade secrets and forcing