During a summit in Kuala Lumpur, Chinese Premier Li Qiang advocates for the removal of trade barriers between China, ASEAN, and Gulf nations, emphasizing the importance of free trade and economic globalization.
In a significant diplomatic move, Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called upon Southeast Asian and Gulf nations to eliminate trade barriers and commit to greater economic openness.
Speaking at a leaders’ summit in Kuala Lumpur, Li emphasized the necessity of resisting rising protectionism and unilateralism, advocating for the reinforcement of a multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization.
“Facing rising protectionism and unilateralism in some places of the world, we must be committed to expanding opening up and removing barriers,” Li stated, highlighting the unprecedented challenges currently facing economic globalization.
While Li refrained from naming specific countries, his remarks come against the backdrop of ongoing trade tensions, notably the U.S.-China trade war initiated under former President Donald Trump.
These tensions have contributed to global economic instability, prompting China to seek stronger economic ties with other regions.
China’s economic engagement with ASEAN and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations has been substantial.
In the first quarter of 2025, trade between China and ASEAN reached $234 billion, while trade with GCC countries totaled nearly $298 billion in 2023.
Li expressed confidence in China’s economic resilience, citing continued export strength, a recovering domestic economy, and record-high fiscal expenditure aimed at boosting consumption to stimulate demand.
The summit in Kuala Lumpur underscores China’s strategic efforts to strengthen economic partnerships and promote free trade amid global uncertainties.
By advocating for the removal of trade barriers, China aims to foster a more open and collaborative international economic environment.
