How has China facilitated consensus at G20 Summit

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After two days' tight agendas, the 13th Group of 20 (G20) Summit concluded in Buenos Aires on Sunday with a broad consensus reached among the world's major economies.

China, the second largest economy, provided its solutions to a wide range of global challenges such as global economic growth and climate change, contributing to the success of the first G20 summit ever held in Latin America.

World economy, WTO reform, and climate change etc.

On world economy, in a speech on the first day of the summit Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed on four key points in steering world economy: openness, cooperation and multilateral trading system; strong partnerships and macro policy coordination; innovation and new momentum for growth; inclusive global development.

"Xi's remarks correspond with the trend of history and the times," said Ni Shixiong, former dean of the School of International Relations and Public Affairs at Fudan University. "The four points raised by Xi capture the spirit of G20."

Chinese President Xi Jinping and other G20 leaders take a family photo in Buenos Aires for the two-day summit, November 30, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Wang Xiaolong, the Chinese Foreign Ministry's special envoy on G20 affairs, said the most important achievement of the summit concerning world economy is the strongest signal sent out by G20 countries, which is resolving differences through consultation and meeting challenges together.

A communique issued after informal BRICS leaders' meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, was another highlight.

It advocates a transparent, non-discriminatory, open and inclusive international trade system in the reforms of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

China emphasized the importance of the five BRICS countries, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, in safeguarding the stability, development and prosperity of world economy, calling for firmly supporting multilateralism, promoting practical cooperation and improving global economic governance.

Experts say that China's willingness to deepen relations with other BRICS countries has provided a good demonstration for the countries participating in the G20 Summit.

"China strengthened negotiation with other emerging market countries, effectively safeguarded the common interests of developing countries, and facilitated a consensus on WTO reform," said Wang Xiaolong.

Regarding climate change, China provided its solutions at a three-party meeting of Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the summit.

President of Argentina Mauricio Macri talks during the closing press conference on the second day of sessions of Argentina G20 Leaders' Summit 2018 at Costa Salguero, Buenos Aires, Argentina, December 1, 2018. /VCG Photo

China called on all nations to take responsibility, get down to action and strengthen coordination in the multilateral process in tackling climate change, promising to stand firm on curbing global warming and push for positive results out of the next round of negotiations in Poland.

Xi reiterated at the summit that China will faithfully abide by its commitment to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.

He also proposed making the application of new technologies a focus of G20 cooperation.

Bilateral relations with other members promoted

On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, President Xi had several high-profile meetings with other world leaders, especially those of major economies, emerging economies and key developing countries.

Relations between China and these countries have been further enhanced through the meetings.

Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to strengthen the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Eurasian Economic Union.

He reached a consensus with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on synergizing the BRI with the Saudi Vision 2030.

In talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two sides discussed exploring ways to carry out cooperation with third parties in a broader scope.

‍Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) and his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump (L) meet on the sidelines of G20 Summit, Buenos Aires, Argentina, December 1, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Regarding the much-anticipated meeting between President Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump, positive signals and great results are praised and welcomed by the world.

China-U.S. relations, trade issues, Korean Peninsular issues and other major international and regional issues were discussed in about two hours' meeting.

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Against the rising trend of protectionism and unilateralism, G20 countries reached consensus and issued a joint declaration showing directions of the world economy, global governance and WTO reforms etc.

"China has actively participated in consultations and discussions on relevant issues with a constructive gesture, playing a critical role in the success of the summit," said Wang Xiaolong.

As Argentine President Mauricio Macri said at the opening ceremony of the summit, global challenges require global solutions, while consensus "cannot be reached overnight".

China stands ready to make joint efforts with the international community to build consensus and address the challenges faced by mankind.

(Cover: Chinese President Xi Jinping (4th R, front row) and his wife Peng Liyuan (3rd R, front row) pose for group photos with foreign leaders and their spouses in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Nov. 30, 2018. /Xinhua Photo)