Johannesburg: China on Saturday urged G20 countries to take the lead in upholding multilateralism, enhance the voice of developing countries, and build a fairer and more open international economic and trade order. Speaking at a G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Premier Li Qiang encouraged members to make concerted efforts "to properly handle disputes and frictions through consultation on the basis of equality when facing differences and contradictions," stated a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement.

According to Anadolu Agency, Li emphasized the importance of seeking common ground while preserving differences, actively pursuing the broadest common interests, and properly addressing each other's reasonable concerns. Li pointed out the current challenges faced by the world economy, highlighting the rise of unilateralism and protectionism, along with increasing trade restrictions and confrontations.

Li noted that divergent interests among parties and shortcomings in global cooperation mechanisms have emerged as significant obstacles to international solidarity. He called on the G20 forum to remain committed to solidarity, uphold free trade, and foster an open world economy amidst a sluggish global economic recovery.

In addressing governance challenges, Li urged G20 members to keep pace with the times, lead in upholding multilateralism, and accelerate reforms to institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization. He stressed the need to enhance the voice of developing countries and create a more equitable international economic and trade order. Additionally, Li expressed support for reducing the debts of developing countries.