Chinese diplomat: Protectionism poses severe challenges to world economic order
Updated 10:14, 24-Sep-2018
By World Today
["china"]
00:46
Liu Xiaoming, the Chinese ambassador to the UK, said trade protectionism has posed severe challenges to the world economic order and the multilateral trade regime. He made the statement in London, at the Annual Commonwealth Diplomats Induction Program. 
The Chinese diplomat said the US actions are deeply rooted in the belief of "zero-sum game" and "beggar-thy-neighbor" which are completely out of date. They are a far cry from China's world view, how China sees international cooperation and development, and how China defines winning and losing. In the context of China-US trade tensions initiated by Washington, he said China is forced to take counter-measures in order to safeguard its interests and uphold global free trade. 
The United States announced on Monday plans to impose 10 percent additional tariffs on 200 billion US dollars' worth of Chinese products from September 24. In response, China said on Tuesday that it will impose additional tariffs on US products worth 60 billion US dollars starting from the same day.
Liu said anti-globalization is rising, and protectionism, unilateralism and populism are surging. The international community is standing at a historical crossroads. He said one country is bent on "putting itself first," advocating unilateralism and protectionism, wielding the "tariffs baton" and threatening other countries with "trade wars."
He reiterated that what China has achieved since the introduction of reform and opening-up policies is attributable to the hard work of the Chinese people. The fundamental reason for China's success is that it has found the right path for development. The "China miracle" is created by the Chinese people. It is not a result of "stealing" others' wealth or technology, nor is it a result of being bullied. He said Chinese do not create trouble, but are not afraid of it. The so-called "maximum pressure" will never intimidate the Chinese people into submission. 
Liu also stressed the importance of upholding the rules-based international order. He said China believes that in the global governance, all countries should follow the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. China has taken an active part in the reform and development of the global governance system. 
He also called on other countries to work with China to build a new type of international relations, a community with a shared future for mankind, and an open, inclusive, clean, beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity.
He pledged that regardless of the changing international landscape, China will remain a firm defender of globalization and free trade, which advocates open, inter-connected and mutually beneficial cooperation, uphold WTO rules, support the multilateral trade regime, and contribute to building an open world economy.