China's top economic official is promising all companies are to be 'treated as equals' in a bid to defuse U.S. and European trade complaints.

Premier Li Keqiang made the pledge in a speech Tuesday at the opening of China's national legislative session.

Li also said this year's growth target was set at 6 to 6.5 percent. That is off slightly from last year's 6.6 percent growth, a three-decade low, but would be among the world's strongest if achieved.

The announcement reflects official determination to shore up slowing economic activity in the face of U.S. tariff hikes and cooling global demand.