China Premier says economy faces relatively large downward pressure

China's economy faces relatively large downward pressure, as the global recovery remains unsteady, Premier Li Keqiang said in comments seen on Thursday.

The world's second-largest economy needed a new driving force to maintain steady growth, Li added.

Data earlier on Thursday showed China's fixed-asset investment grew at its slowest rate in nearly 15 years in May, missing expectations and arguing for Beijing to increase policy support to avert a deeper downturn.