BEIJING (Reuters) - It won't be easy for China to grow its economy by around 7 per cent this year as targeted by the government, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Sunday, but the authorities will do what they can to ensure growth stays within a reasonable range.

Mr Li said the government will loosen policies, if needed, in a targeted manner to prevent the economy from slowing too much, or avoid a sharp decline in employment.

He also said that China faces financial dangers as its economy cools, but the authorities can prevent systemic risks.