Beijing - China's domestic economy is facing increasing challenges despite rapid growth, the country's President Hu Jintao said Friday, pledging reforms after the Olympic Games.

Uncertainties and destabilizing factors in the global economy were increasing, Hu said in a group interview with foreign journalists.

At the same time, challenges in China were increasing, despite the economy growing by 10.4 per cent in the first quarter, he said. China was to ensure steady and fast growth while at the same time keeping fast-growing inflation in check, Hu said.

Hu pledged "comprehensive" economic and political reforms after the Olympics.

"At the same time as constantly deepening reform of the economic system and achieving sound and fast economic and social development, we will continue pursuing comprehensive reforms, including reforms of the political system," Hu said.

"Since the beginning of this year the Chinese economy has undergone some great trials and confronted some major challenges," Hu said, referring to the heavy snowfalls in January and the devastating Sichuan earthquake which cost more than 80,000 lives.

In grappling with those problems, Hu said his policy of a "scientific development concept," with increased consideration for the environment and natural resources and a more sustainable development, should be followed, a turnaround from the currently pursued growth-at-all-costs policy. (dpa)