Notwithstanding the Covid-19 pandemic, global rating agency Standard & Poor’s on Monday affirmed China’s long-term sovereign credit rating at ‘A+’ , while retaining ‘stable’ outlook for the country. “China is likely to maintain above-average economic growth performance relative to other middle-income economies in the next few years. However, growth is likely to come under the pressure of uncertainties over the Covid-19 pandemic, US-China tensions, and ongoing efforts to restructure the economy and reduce financial risks,” S&P said in a statement.