(Corrects Q2 GDP release date in paragraph 2 to Wednesday, not next week)

BEIJING, July 13 (Reuters) - Chinese Premier Li Qiang ‌called on Monday for "a comprehensive and objective understanding" of the ‌current economic situation and for a stronger counter-cyclical adjustment, state broadcaster CCTV reported, amid ​signs of slowing economic momentum.

The government is due to release second-quarter GDP data on Wednesday. Analysts polled by Reuters expect China's growth to slow to 4.5% in the second quarter from 5% in January-March, putting it ‌at the lower end ⁠of Beijing's official 4.5%-5% full-year target.

"It is important to take a comprehensive and objective view of the current ⁠economic situation - fully recognising the achievements made while remaining clear-eyed about the problems," Li was quoted as saying during a meeting with experts and entrepreneurs.

Li ​also ​stressed that doing a good job ​of economic work in the ‌second half of the year was crucial to meeting this year's economic targets, and called for maintaining strategic resolve in pursuing high-quality development.

He said China should step up counter-cyclical adjustment, make full and effective use of existing policies, and study and prepare additional measures in advance ‌to consolidate economic momentum.

Investors are closely watching ​an expected late-July Politburo meeting for clues ​on fresh stimulus that could ​shape policy for the rest of the year. ‌But analysts expect no aggressive action ​unless growth slows ​more sharply.

Li said economic work in the second half of the year was directly linked to achieving the annual growth target, and ​called for stabilising ‌employment and releasing the potential for domestic demand, according to ​a meeting readout aired by CCTV.

(Reporting by Yukun Zhang and ​Kevin Yao; Editing by Alison Williams)