China to maintain strong growth: WB chief

WASHINGTON  -- China will continue its strong growth in the long term despite the global financial turbulence, World Bank President Robert Zoellick said Monday.

Some Chinese stock markets have been hit by the turbulence and "China's economy will be likely to slow down a little bit," Zoellick said at a press conference here, adding that he expects China to sustain its strong economic growth.

He also warned of a continued rise in food and energy prices, which have caused social unrest in many countries.

"China, like others, has been hit by the high energy prices that have had an effect on some of the vulnerable population in the country," he said.

Meanwhile, the skyrocketing food prices are not a temporary phenomenon, but will persist for several years, the World Bank chief emphasized, calling for immediate global assistance to help poor countries deal with the challenges.