G20 leaders express 'grave concern' about protectionism, call for return to free trade
CGTN
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At the 14th Group of 20 (G20) summit in Osaka on Friday, several heads of state and experts expressed concern about the global trade situation and called for insistence on free trade.

"A free and open economy is the foundation of global peace and prosperity," Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, "while anxiety and discontent with abrupt changes due to globalization can at times generate the temptation for protectionism, bringing about sharp confrontation between states."

At a summit session, South Korean President Moon Jae-in spoke of his concern over the growing trade disputes and protectionism and urged world leaders to return to free trade that benefits all.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a BRICS leaders meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit that international trade is carrying an increasingly heavier burden of protectionism, politically motivated restrictions and barriers.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) meets with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at a BRICS leaders meeting on the sidelines of a summit of the Group of 20 (G20) major economies in Osaka, Japan, June 28, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) meets with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at a BRICS leaders meeting on the sidelines of a summit of the Group of 20 (G20) major economies in Osaka, Japan, June 28, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

During a China, Russia and India trilateral meeting, Putin also noted under the current circumstances, the three nations should be firmly committed to upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core, safeguarding the international order based on international law, defending the basic principles of international relations such as respect for sovereignty and non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, and opposing unilateralism, protectionism and unilateral sanctions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and British Prime Minister Theresa May hold a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka on June 28, 2019. /Reuters Photo

Russian President Vladimir Putin and British Prime Minister Theresa May hold a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka on June 28, 2019. /Reuters Photo

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, speaking at the BRICS leader meeting, said that protectionism and unfair economic practices put pressure on global trade and endangered the stability of international trade rules.

He added Brazil supports multilateralism and firmly believes that the momentum of world economic development depends on multilateralism.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for his part said the world is in an uncertain and highly unstable environment and that multilateralism is under extreme pressure.

Only in a multilateral environment can security and prosperity be best guaranteed, Ramaphosa added.

(With input from Xinhua)