Unilateralism And Protectionism On The Rise: Xi

President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for the smooth global trade in vaccines and other medical supplies, saying that unilateralism and protectionism are rising across the world and globalisation is facing headwinds.

Speaking in a televised address at the opening of the China International Import Expo, President Xi touted China's contributions to the global fight against Covid-19 and its efforts to open up its economy.

"Since the outbreak of coronavirus, China has exported about 350 billion masks, more than four billion pieces of protective clothing, more than six billion test kits, and more than 1.6 billion doses of vaccines, actively promoted international cooperation in fighting the epidemic, and supported exemptions for intellectual property rights on vaccines for developing countries," Xi said.

He said that China supports the fair distribution and unimpeded trade of key medical supplies, such as vaccines.

The president said the global multilateral trading regime faces challenges, and promised that China would expand imports and pursue balanced development of trade.

He added that the country would also expand the opening up of its telecom and health services industries in an orderly manner, and would release lists of investment restrictions to guide foreign entities to enter the market. (Reuters)