Former heads of state, government oppose trade war

World
Europe

01:46

The firestorm of harsh words and heightened tariffs continue to spread, affecting more than just the globe's top two economies. Heated arguments over protectionism have cast a pall over broader relations around the world.

Former leaders from all continents at the Annual Meeting of the InterAction Council – a non-governmental organization – expressed concern on Friday over the escalated US-China trade war.

Bertie Ahern, Irish former prime minister, said the influence of frictions and tariffs will eventually reach ordinary people, especially those looking for jobs. He also addressed the broader harm the trade war has brought to the world economies.

Bertie Ahern, Irish former prime minister /CGTN Photo

"It only creates more disharmony, more tensions... not just with China but America as well as Iran, Canada…," said Ahern.

Peter Medgyessy, Hungarian former prime minister, pointed out that it's easier to start a trade war than to finish it since it could escalate.

"I have never seen a trade friction like today…The thinking of the US was very different in the past. I hope they come back to what they should…," said Medgyessy.

During the meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the event's organizers. China's Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Ji Bingxuan relayed the message.

"China always follows the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration in engaging in global governance. As a staunch supporter of multilateralism, China has made active efforts to build a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for mankind," President Xi said in the note.

As many former politicians expressed at the meeting – "the world is good, but not good enough" – especially under the growing trade friction. Many agreed that openness generates peace and harmony, something that takes the joint efforts of all continents.