الصين تدعو دول «آسيان» والخليج إلى إزالة الحواجز التجارية

Chinese State Council President Li Qiang called on Southeast Asian countries and Gulf Cooperation Council countries today to remove trade barriers and expand openness in the face of rising economic protectionism, stating, "China is confident in its ability to achieve economic stability despite challenges."

Li made his remarks at a dinner during a summit in Kuala Lumpur for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Li said, "In light of the rising protectionist policies and unilateralism in some parts of the world, we must commit to expanding openness and removing barriers."

He added, "Economic globalization is currently experiencing an unprecedented significant impact." He urged countries to support a multilateral trading system centered around the World Trade Organization.

The trade war initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump has shaken the global economy, as the U.S. administration and the Chinese government exchanged tariff hikes before reversing most of the increases following negotiations.

The trade tensions with the United States have heightened concerns about the Chinese economy, which relies on an export-led recovery amid slowing demand and deflationary pressures domestically.

Li emphasized that the Chinese economy has continued to recover and improve since the beginning of the year, and that Chinese exports have remained resilient despite external pressures.

He noted that fiscal spending in China is set to reach a record level this year, and that the government is directing more resources towards consumption to boost demand.