China economy can grow 8 pct this year- foreign minister

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Thursday expressed confidence that his country's economy could reach an eight percent growth target this year.

"We believe that given the tremendous efforts of the Chinese people and given the good impact of our stimulus package and the mutual support … between China and the international community, we will be able to reach the 8 point growth target for this year."

Yang was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a regional security meeting in the Thai resort of Phuket.