Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (2nd R) talks with a researcher in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 22, 2012. Li has inspected the province from May 21 to 22.(Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

NANJING, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang has called for expanding domestic demand in order to stabilize economic growth amid the uncertainty and instability of the world economy.

During an inspection tour in eastern Jiangsu Province from Monday to Tuesday, Li reiterated that China's economy is "generally stable," but the global environment is becoming complicated.

Li noted that China has great domestic demand potential and needs to properly maintain a balance between ensuring steady and robust economic development, adjusting the economic structure and managing expectations on inflation.

He repeated the government's policy stance of continuing proactive fiscal policy and prudent monetary policy.

"While exploring international markets, we need to focus more on domestic consumption," Li told officials and entrepreneurs from Jiangsu Province after being updated on the local economy at a meeting.

When expanding domestic demand, the vice premier said, local governments should prioritize livelihood-related projects concerning job creation, government-subsidized housing construction, medical reform and social security.