China can still achieve development goals, top official says

China is capable of achieving its 2020 economic and social development goals and tasks, the country's top economic planner said on Monday.

"The novel coronavirus outbreak has some impact on China's economic operation, but there are still many favorable conditions for completing the various tasks set by the Central Economic Work Conference," said Cong Liang, secretary-general of the National Development and Reform Commission.

The epidemic will not change the fundamentals of China's long-term economy, and the goals and tasks of economic and social development in 2020 can be achieved, Cong added.