Chinese president calls for global responses to global challenges

Chinese President Hu Jintao, in an address delivered at the 17th Economic Leaders Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) on Sunday, called for global responses to global challenges.

"Global challenges require global responses," the president said.

"Recently, leaders from many countries have gathered together more frequently to discuss ways to address global issues. This shows that the international community has come to recognize that with deepening economic globalization, working together for win-win outcomes is the only option we have," Hu said.

"Economies in the Asia-Pacific region, which are diverse and highly complementary to one another, have gained valuable experience in working together to meet challenges. This has put APEC cooperation on a solid footing," he added.

In his address, Hu also made a four-point proposal on some important issues concerning the economic and social development in the world and in Asia in particular:

-- Support sound development of the multilateral trading regime with stronger confidence.

"As a firm supporter of trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, China is committed to the establishment of a fair, equitable and non-discriminatory multilateral trading regime and has participated in the Doha Round negotiations with a constructive stance," Hu said.

"We should follow through on the commitments we have made, firmly oppose protectionism in all manifestations, guard against and redress all kinds of covert protectionism, reduce and remove trade barriers and address trade frictions through dialogue and consultation," he added.

-- Meet the climate challenge through full cooperation.

Hu said, "Developed countries should continue to take the lead in emissions reduction after 2012 in keeping with the principles set out in the UNFCCC and the requirements made in the 'Bali Roadmap'."

"Developing countries, on their part, should also endeavor to meet the climate challenge by implementing sustainable development strategies," he added.

He also restated China's stance to continue to take strong measures to contribute its share to the international cooperation against climate change.

-- Promote regional economic integration with a multi-pronged approach.

"We should promote regional economic integration at different levels, in various scopes and through multiple channels," Hu said.

He urged APEC member states to step up cooperation in economic restructuring and enhance connectivity in infrastructure and other areas among member economies

-- Counter non-traditional security threats through coordination and cooperation.

"We should act in a spirit of global development partnership featuring equality, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes to safeguard global food security through stronger cooperation," the Chinese president went on to say.

He also urged to establish and follow a new energy security concept featuring beneficial cooperation, step up coordination in the prevention and control of influenza A/H1N1 and continue to deepen cooperation in disaster prevention and reduction.

The Chinese president arrived in Singapore Wednesday for a state visit and to attend the APEC economic leaders meeting held here on Saturday and Sunday.

Source: Xinhua