简体中文
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday that protectionism harms others without benefiting oneself, and that it is also a one-way street that leads nowhere.
Wang made the comments at the ongoing sixth summit of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Economic Cooperation.
His speech came amid a plan by the United States to impose heavy tariffs on some Chinese goods.
Frictions and disputes in international trade are not surprising. What's important is to work for win-win solutions through equal consultation in line with laws and rules, said the Chinese state councilor.
Openness has been essential to the development of the subregion, he said, adding that without it, it would be impossible to accomplish so much.
Wang called on the subregion to expand openness to secure greater development in the future.
Mekong River countries can become major partners in the joint development of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, Wang said in response to a question concerning opportunities brought to the GMS countries by the initiative.
"As a member of the GMS, China sees its own development and future closely linked with those of the other sub-regional countries," the minister said.
The Chinese state councilor also urged an early conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations so as to lead the way for the regional free trade architecture.
"We also need to improve the business environment to energize market entities and enable factors of production to flow more smoothly and efficiently," he said.
Noting that China has long been an advocate of an open world economy, Wang stressed that China is committed to win-win cooperation in opening-up and firmly opposes trade protectionism.
He noted that this year marks the 40th anniversary of China's landmark policy of reform and opening-up, adding that the country gained its achievements over the past 40 years and will continue to aim for higher quality development through the same strategy.
(CGTN)
