Chinese Premier Li Qiang made a passionate appeal for international cooperation during Saturday's G20 summit in Johannesburg, urging world leaders to combat rising protectionism and "build an open world economy." His speech comes as global economic growth remains sluggish in 2025, with trade restrictions reaching new highs.
Solidarity Over Division
Addressing the first session chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Li emphasized: "We've overcome past challenges through unity – from pandemic recovery to climate action. Now we must tackle new trade barriers threatening progress." The premier echoed President Xi Jinping's 2022 G20 message that "division leads nowhere," while announcing fresh initiatives:
📈 World Bank/IMF reform plans
🌱 $2B Africa industrialization fund
📘 New Institute of Global Development
Developing Nations Take Center Stage
With 68% of G20 members being developing economies, Li stressed the need to amplify their voices. China and South Africa jointly launched a cooperative initiative supporting Africa's modernization – a move analysts say could reshape South-South cooperation trends in 2026.
As trade disputes between major powers intensify, Li's call for "multilateralism 2.0" resonates with young entrepreneurs worldwide. 🇨🇳🇿🇦 #NextGenDiplomacy
