Six key areas to watch on China's economy 2017

Chinese engine for global economy

US President-elect Donald Trump speaks at election night rally in Manhattan, New York, US, November 9, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

The world economy is troubled by a sluggish recovery, and faces an aging population and a widening wealth gap, among other long-term obstacles. In contrast, China, albeit experiencing a slowdown, has an enviable 6.5 to 7 percent GDP growth and continues to power global growth.

"Under this background, the world will increasingly rely on China to weather the hardships next year, and China will play an even bigger role in pushing forward globalization," Zhang Liqun said.

As the world's two largest economies, economic ties between China and the United States also deserve more attention. Huang Yiping noted that the US President-elect Donald Trump's claims to name China a currency manipulator and impose hefty tariffs on its products will likely create enormous uncertainty and bring a negative influence.