"On the one hand, the pressure on growth will be greater if there are no reform measures such as the simplification of administrative approvals in the first half," he said.

"On the other hand, problems in the economy remain salient and the economic growth model has not been significantly shifted. For example, consumption in the first half was sluggish despite its huge potential."

The Political Bureau said it is content with the economic performance in the first half. Key economic data fell within expectations, and the level of growth is steadily improving.

Turning to the second half, it said development challenges remain and extra efforts are needed to keep the economy stable.

However, it stopped short of calling for more stimulus measures to prop up growth, which some were expecting, and instead stressed the need for reforms that are in line with a long-term vision.

GDP growth fell to an 18-month low of 7.4 percent in the first quarter, prompting a shift in emphasis by the government toward fine-tuning to prevent a further drop.

A raft of policies helped push up second-quarter growth to 7.5 percent, and economists expect to see a continuing recovery in the third quarter.

This has given the leadership more leeway to focus on reform and rebalancing the economy.

The Political Bureau said a "certain growth rate" is needed as "many issues will not be solved" without it, but it also said growth should be "scientific", "sustainable" and "inclusive".

In a sign of a greater emphasis on long-term growth potential, President Xi Jinping told non-Party representatives in a separate meeting on Tuesday that China should improve its innovation-driven capacity, enhance its industrial competitiveness and increase its growth quality.