Chinese Premier Li Qiang has accused Western nations of “sowing division and confrontation” in a veiled criticism of the United States. Speaking at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, Li aimed to restore confidence in China’s economy and position the country as a champion for globalization. He criticized “some people in the West” for politicizing economic issues and creating invisible barriers that are pushing the world into division and confrontation. Li’s remarks come as Chinese leaders face a struggling economy and increased mistrust from Western countries. The conference, also known as the “Summer Davos,” is the first in-person event since before the pandemic and is attended by leaders from various countries. Li’s comments follow the United States and other Group of Seven countries pledging to reduce their exposure to China, citing the need to “de-risk” and diversify away from the country’s business practices that distort the global economy. Li directly criticized the de-risking strategy, stating that businesses are in the best position to assess risks and governments should not overreach or turn risk into an ideological tool. China sees these efforts as part of an American plan to hinder its rise. The country is currently struggling to restart its consumer-led economy after three years of strict COVID-19 policies. Weak consumer spending and slow property sales are raising concerns about the country’s economic growth. Premier Li’s speech took place in Tianjin, a city facing challenges such as depressed consumption, rising unemployment, and wary foreign investment. Despite the challenges, Li expressed confidence in China’s economic prospects and stated that the country is on track to meet its economic goal of around 5 percent growth. While Chinese officials emphasize that China is open for business, authorities have recently cracked down on foreign consulting firms and Chinese entrepreneurs, leaving overseas firms cautious about doing business in the country.
Why did Premier Li Qiang accuse Western nations, particularly the United States, of sowing division and confrontation?
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has taken a swipe at Western nations, accusing them of sowing division and confrontation, in a thinly veiled criticism of the United States. Speaking at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, Li sought to restore confidence in China’s economy and present the country as a champion of globalization. He criticized “some people in the West” for politicizing economic issues and erecting invisible barriers that are driving the world towards division and confrontation.
Li’s remarks come at a time when Chinese leaders are facing economic challenges and growing mistrust from Western countries. The conference, also known as the “Summer Davos,” serves as the first in-person event since before the pandemic and draws leaders from various nations.
Li’s comments follow pledges by the United States and other Group of Seven countries to reduce their exposure to China, citing the need to mitigate risks and diversify away from the country’s business practices that distort the global economy. Li directly criticized this risk reduction strategy, asserting that businesses are best positioned to assess risks and governments should refrain from overreaching or turning risk into an ideological tool. China perceives these efforts as part of an American plan to impede its rise. The country is currently grappling with rebooting its consumer-led economy after three years of stringent COVID-19 policies. Concerns are mounting over weak consumer spending and sluggish property sales, which could hinder economic growth.
Premier Li’s speech took place in Tianjin, a city confronting challenges such as depressed consumption, rising unemployment, and cautious foreign investment. Despite these obstacles, Li expressed confidence in China’s economic prospects, affirming that the country remains on track to achieve its economic goal of around 5 percent growth.
While Chinese officials assert that China is open for business, recent crackdowns on foreign consulting firms and Chinese entrepreneurs have left overseas companies hesitant about conducting business in the country.
In a world increasingly grappling with polarization, it is disheartening to witness top leaders pointing fingers at each other instead of promoting collaboration and unity. It is vital for all nations, including China and Western nations, to seek common ground and work together to address global challenges. Only by fostering dialogue and understanding can we truly achieve progress on a global scale.