The National People's Congress concluded its annual session Sunday morning. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang held a press conference after the closing meeting at which an impressive half of the questions were about China's economy. This included questions such as what pressure China faces in a downward economic trend and how should we perceive the growth target of 7 percent, which have become the focus of world attention.

This leaves the impression that economic development is China's core task. As long as China keeps its economic momentum, it can solve other problems.

In the past few years, China has been making efforts in addressing some social problems that society has been concerned about.

But once the economy shows a sign of a downward trend, public attention is shifting back to the economy. Keeping a fast-growing economy should be China's focus.

Such views are somewhat correct. The Chinese government has been sticking to the principle of centering on economic development. However, when the economy slows its pace, we cannot blame progress made in other fields for it.

The development mode that only focuses on the economy is no longer sustainable. The public welcomes economic development, but if corruption becomes rampant, social fairness is not addressed and environment losses occur, the public will not accept it. People have the same level of demands for both the rule of law and economic development.

But economic development is the foundation of China's overall development. The government work report delivered by Li said that we must adhere to the principle of making economic development as the center. This can be viewed as the very statement made by the current leadership about the importance of economic development.

An obvious fact is that after decades of progress, Chinese society has growing demands over development. People want blue skies, but are not willing to sacrifice modern lifestyles. People call for the rule of law, but we should also avoid uncontrollable social conflicts.

It is easier for China to simply focus on either the economy or other social issues. But this will not work.

China's challenges lie in that it has to find the best approach to realize both economic growth and social construction to ensure the country moves forward.

This is the top design of China's reform and development as well as the country's direction based on practice. This is the only choice for China at the current stage.

The press conference Sunday sent a clear signal of the importance of China's growth rate and how it helps the world build its perception of China. Meanwhile, we should stay sober-minded about the country's social reform measures.

There is no model that China can follow. It has to forge its own path. This process is bound to be full of challenges. A strong will and the capabilities to adapt to difficulties are more important than ever before.