Chinese Premier Li Qiang, speaking on behalf of President Xi Jinping at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), sharply criticised the rise of protectionist trade measures, warning that tariff hikes and economic barriers are worsening global economic stagnation.
“A major cause of the current global economic doldrums is the rise in unilatera and protectionist measures such as tariff hikes and the erection of walls and barriers,” Li said, stressing the need for countries to resist economic fragmentation.
He called on nations to deepen collaboration, expand common interests, and pursue “universally beneficial and inclusive globalisation” to ensure shared growth.
Although Li did not directly mention US President Donald Trump, his remarks echoed longstanding Chinese criticism of Washington’s tariff-driven trade policies, which have fuelled years of tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
Beyond trade, Li emphasised collective efforts to safeguard global peace. “All countries belong to the same global village and rely on each other for security. Persisting in camp-based confrontation or resorting to force only drives peace further away,” he cautioned, urging dialogue and consultation to resolve disputes.
Underscoring China’s role in international peacekeeping, Li highlighted that Beijing is the second-largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget and the largest provider of peacekeepers among the permanent Security Council members. He also cited China’s involvement in facilitating peace talks on conflicts including Ukraine and the Israel-Palestine crisis.
