Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed China's commitment to safeguarding international trade fairness during a high-stakes meeting with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at the 17th BRICS Summit. The discussions come amid escalating global trade tensions fueled by unilateral measures, including recent U.S. tariff hikes.
"The global trade landscape has undergone significant changes due to intensified unilateralism and protectionism," Premier Li stated, emphasizing how such actions have disrupted the international economic order. He stressed China's dual focus on protecting national interests while advocating for multilateral cooperation through platforms like the WTO.
The meeting highlights China's strategic balancing act: maintaining economic resilience against external pressures while positioning itself as a defender of developing nations' trade rights. Analysts suggest this approach could strengthen Beijing's role in shaping post-pandemic recovery strategies across Asia and beyond.
Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged the challenges facing global trade systems, calling for renewed dialogue among major economies. The talks occurred as BRICS members explore mechanisms to reduce dependency on Western financial systems, a movement gaining traction among emerging markets.
