Xi Jinping: "To Overcome COVID-19, We Must Embrace 'Multilateralism'... Avoid Cold War Mentality"

Davos Agenda Virtual Speech

Chinese President Xi Jinping [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] Chinese President Xi Jinping said on the 25th, "To overcome the global COVID-19 pandemic crisis, multilateralism must be maintained," adding, "We must abandon ideological prejudices and avoid outdated Cold War mentalities."

According to local media, during his virtual speech at the 'Davos Agenda' on the same day, President Xi stated, "Confrontation will lead to a dead end, and to escape the pandemic, we must return to mutual respect."

This is the first time President Xi has delivered a public speech since the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden. In his speech, Xi repeatedly emphasized multilateralism, which opposes former President Donald Trump's 'America First' policy, saying, "The world must strengthen cooperation on macroeconomic policies and remove barriers to trade, investment, and technological exchange," and reiterated, "We must maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains, as well as the international financial system."

Furthermore, he drew a clear line by stating that there is no interest in any form of decoupling or deglobalization due to the pandemic. President Xi said, "Starting a new Cold War, threatening others, disrupting supply chains, imposing sanctions, and isolating other countries only divides and antagonizes the world," adding, "The international community should be governed not by rules set by one or a few countries, but by rules agreed upon by all countries."

The Davos Agenda is an online meeting held from the 25th to the 29th by the World Economic Forum (WEF) ahead of the main WEF event in May. Leaders from major countries around the world, including Korea, China, and Japan, are participating.