The Chinese government unveiled an annual economic growth target of “around 5%” on Wednesday, despite the possible negative impact of a looming trade war with the United States, and pledged to address what it called “sluggish” consumer spending at home.

Watch: The BBC's Stephen McDonell explains China's National People's Congress China has set an economic growth target for this year of "around 5%" and pledged to pump billions of dollars into its ailing economy,

China on Wednesday kicked off its annual parliamentary session, the National People’s Congress, which outlines the government’s priorities for the year. Stabilizing the sluggish economy and pushing for broader applications of artificial intelligence were among the focus areas in a work report read by Premier Li Qiang.