The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos has once again become a focal point for global discourse, mirroring the significance of the 2017 summit. This year, as a new administration takes office in the U.S., China has stepped forward to offer a message of reassurance amidst widespread global uncertainties.
Reflecting on 2017, Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the forum with a strong emphasis on free trade, economic globalization, and multilateralism. He called for increased cooperation, countering the protectionist and unilateralist trends emerging in major economies.
Fast forward to 2025, the world landscape has evolved dramatically. Geopolitical tensions have escalated, conflicts have displaced countless individuals, and emerging technologies are rapidly transforming societies. Climate change continues to pose significant challenges, and global cooperation has faced substantial setbacks, leading to a more divided international community.
Amid these changes, China's stance remains clear. The country advocates against trade protectionism, likening it to isolating oneself in a dark room—protecting from external threats but cutting off essential light and air. Despite the rise of developing nations and shifting economic power, China emphasizes the importance of maintaining open and cooperative global trade and investment frameworks.
Technological advancements, particularly in Artificial Intelligence, have reshaped economic and social structures. While these innovations drive progress, they have also intensified geopolitical competition, widening the technological divide between developed and developing nations.
Despite these shifts, the fundamental call for globalization persists. Economic globalization is viewed as crucial for advancing productive forces and is seen as an inevitable outcome of technological progress. Its inherent benefits foster global growth and well-being, as evidenced by the increasing share of middle- and low-income countries in global exports over the past few decades.
As the global economy navigates these complex dynamics, China's message at Davos 2025 underscores a commitment to fostering a cooperative and interconnected world, advocating for policies that promote mutual growth and sustainability.
Reference(s):
Davos 2025: China sends a reassuring message amid global uncertainties
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