Beijing: Chinese premier Li Keqiang has addressed the accusation of "Chinese influence" head on, saying his country's assistance to developing countries was simply fulfilling its international responsibilities and was “not infiltration”.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and vice premiers, from left, Sun Chunlan, Hu Chunhua, Han Zheng, and Liu He leave after a press conference. Credit:AP

Chinese president Xi Jinping also emphasised the point, saying on Tuesday that China's intent should not be misinterpreted.

“China will never seek hegemony and will never engage in expansion. Only those who are accustomed to threatening others will regard everyone as a threat,” Xi told the closing sessions of the National People's Congress.

The tougher language by Xi appeared to be a response to the United States recently labelling China a strategic threat.