Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

"We cannot slow down our pace in green transition in exchange for short-term growth, or practice protectionism in the name of green development or environmental protection," China's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday, noting that international cooperation is needed to promote green transition and mitigate climate change. 

Mao Ning, spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, made the remarks as Klaus Schwab, executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, said on Tuesday during the 15th Annual Meeting of the New Champions that, given the current complex international situation, it is more imperative than ever to strengthen international cooperation.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday attended the meeting and delivered a keynote speech at the opening plenary. Focusing on the theme of "Next Frontiers for Growth," Li put forward Chinese propositions, emphasizing that the depth of international cooperation determines the height of human development, calling on all parties to embrace each other with open arms and work together closely, so as to form a strong synergy for global economic growth.

Mao noted that international cooperation is needed to face the slowing growth of the world economy. "We need to approach development issues with a longer view and broader mind, and join hands with others to make the pie bigger, while pursuing one's legitimate interests, in order to cultivate new engines for growth."

In addition, Mao said that grasping new opportunities that are presented by the scientific and technological revolution and industrial changes require international cooperation. 

Major sci-tech progress usually comes from unrelenting research, accumulation and extensive cooperation. The exploration of new frontiers should not be seen as a zero-sum game. It is a process where all players compete for excellence and make progress together. Resorting to a "small yard with high fences" approach cannot hold back the development problem, but ends up constraining oneself, the spokesperson noted.

Premier Li said that China has continued to promote high-quality development, accelerate development of new quality productive forces, and foster new drivers of growth. These efforts have provided strong dynamism for China's economic development, and created greater cooperation space for companies around the world. 

"We will continue to expand high-level opening-up, further liberalize market access, steadily expand institutional opening-up, in a bid to provide more opportunities and a better environment for investors from all countries," Li said.

"China stands ready to join hands with all countries to sail the giant ship of the world economy into the vast 'blue ocean' and create an even brighter future for humanity," the spokesperson said. 

The 15th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, runs from Tuesday to Thursday, in China's costal city Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning Province. The forum has attracted some 1,600 leading figures from the public and private sectors from about 80 countries and regions to jointly explore new drivers for global economic growth. 

Global Times