David Olsson, China practice consultant of King & Wood Mallesons, said, "What Li Keqiang said this morning was very positive in terms of China's support for more integration of the market regionally and for the leadership role that China wants to play in helping to drive the necessary integrations."

Bloomberg chief hails China reform

"The message the Western world and the region has heard is that China is very supportive of regional integration. It sees this as important not only for the region and for the world, but also as an important part of helping China's own domestic reform process," Olsson said.

"The most impressive part of Li's speech was his commitment to the ongoing development reform within China and his emphasis on the importance of regional integration and the need for countries in the region to work cooperatively and collaboratively together to create new infrastructure to support regional development. We heard very clearly development and growth is the key to create a safe, stable regional environment," he said.

"I was very pleased to see that he was very keen to ensure there is a harmonious discussion about regional maritime issues. I did note that China is always going to protect its sovereignty. But he did emphasize that disputes should be resolved amicably and in the context of regional interests."