China’s Premier Slams Tariff Hikes at UNGA, Urges Global Unity
Speaking for President Xi, Li calls protectionist trade measures a threat to global economy, stresses peace and shared security.
New York, Sep 27: China’s Premier of the State Council, Li Qiang, on Friday criticised the surge of protectionist trade policies, warning that tariff hikes and economic barriers are deepening the global slowdown.
Representing President Xi Jinping at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Li said unilateral measures such as tariffs and trade walls were a “major cause of the current global economic doldrums.” He urged countries to strengthen cooperation to promote “universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.”
Though he avoided naming former US President Donald Trump, Li’s remarks came against the backdrop of Washington’s tariff-driven trade war with Beijing. Trump’s aggressive tariff policies, aimed at reshaping US domestic industry, have long been a source of friction between the two nations.
Beyond economics, Li also stressed the importance of global security cooperation. He urged countries to reject confrontation and resolve disputes peacefully, highlighting China’s contributions to UN peacekeeping efforts and its role in promoting dialogue on conflicts including Ukraine and the Middle East.
“China has all along acted as a staunch defender of world peace and security,” Li said, noting that Beijing is the second-largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget and the top provider of peacekeepers among permanent Security Council members.
