China plays an important role in stabilizing the global economy and international relations, Irina Kokushkina, associate professor of the World Economy Teaching and Research Section of the Department of Economics of the University of St. Petersburg, Russia, said in an interview with Xinhua News Agency. Kokushkina said that despite the impact of the COVID-19 last year and the global economic downturn and other negative factors, the Chinese government has increased macro-control efforts, while stimulating market vitality, implemented a number of consumer stimulus measures, which have a positive effect on the economy and achieved steady economic growth. She said that the Chinese government continued to increase its investment in science and technology and promote the implementation of major science and technology projects. Last year, China's R&D expenditure increased by 10.4% over the previous year, maintaining double-digit growth for seven consecutive years. China has made biotechnology, space exploration and the development of green economy as government priorities for many years. In order to achieve the development of these areas, China has also continued to increase investment. Kokushkina believes that China has always stressed that maintaining internal and external stability is the basis of economic growth. At the same time, China has carried out extensive foreign economic activities and established relations with other countries in the world. "As a stable and reliable partner, China plays an important role in the stability of the global economy and international relations." (AFP)