The country’s top leaders set an optimistic growth target but gave few hints of how to achieve it as their export-led strategy is challenged by rising tariffs on Chinese goods.

China's commerce minister says Beijing will not yield to bullying and its economy can weather tariffs and other challenges, though there are “no winners in a trade war."

China is prepared for an escalating trade war with the United States, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said on Thursday. "Coercion and blackmail will not work on China, nor will intimidation," he said, vowing that Beijing would defend its interests.