China has depicted itself as a strong defender of globalisation and a source of certainty for the world economy and international order to counter the chaos generated by US President Donald Trump.
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The message was made clear when Lou Qinjian, spokesman for the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, told a press conference that China would “provide more stability and certainty to the world” by pushing to develop artificial intelligence, seeking cooperation with key partners and supporting the Global South.
Shortly into his presidency, Trump has weighed into transatlantic relations by waging tariffs against American allies, quickly warming up relations with Russia and suspending military aid to Ukraine after a blow-up with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House last week.
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Trump says tariffs on Chinese imports will double to 20% and take effect on March 4
Trump says tariffs on Chinese imports will double to 20% and take effect on March 4
Amid rapidly developing events, China is pitching itself as a more reliable global partner than the US.
China faced “growing global political and economic uncertainties” and “deepening adverse effects of the external environment”, Lou said.
At this year’s gathering, the focus is on Beijing’s readiness to enhance economic stimulus, bolster businesses and counter Trump’s aggressive trade measures.
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“China is willing to strengthen cooperation with countries around the world to jointly uphold the hard-earned multilateral trading system, oppose unilateralism and protectionism and work together to promote inclusive and equitable economic globalisation”, Lou said on Tuesday, a day ahead of the “two sessions”, the annual gathering of the nation’s lawmakers to map out China’s economic priorities.
On Tuesday, the US president imposed an additional 10 per cent tariff on Chinese imports to the US, adding to the 10 per cent he levied a month ago.