China to be world’s ‘anchor of stability’ to counter rising protectionism: Li Keqiang
Echoing President Xi Jinping at Davos, premier says China will stay the course of economic openness and globalisation
Premier Li Keqiang pledged that China will give the world “an anchor of stability” by maintaining domestic reform and championing economic openness, amid a rising tide of protectionism.
Li’s comment is the latest effort by Beijing to call for openness and defending globalisation, in stark contrast to US President Donald Trump’s “America first” agenda.
“This is a testing time,” Li wrote in latest edition of Bloomberg Businessweek. “Above all, we remain convinced that economic openness serves [the interests of] everyone better, at home and abroad.”
“It’s far preferable for countries to trade goods and services and bond through investment partnerships than to trade barbs and build barriers.”
The remarks echoed President Xi Jinping’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this month, in which he said globalisation should not be blamed for the Syrian refugee crisis and financial problems.
Xi’s speech and Li’s article contrast with the protectionist sentiments and domestic focus of the newly sworn-in US president.