The heads of several international economic organizations expressed confidence in China's economy at a dialogue meeting on Monday, according to a senior official with the Ministry of Finance.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang held the "1+10" dialogue in Beijing on Monday with the heads of 10 international economic organizations.
The dialogue aimed to enhance China's policy communication with leaders of organizations including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the World Trade Organization, the International Labour Organization, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Financial Stability Board amid growing uncertainties and challenges to economic globalization and multilateralism.
It was the first time that the number of organizations attending the dialogue expanded, from the previous six to 10, with the addition of the New Development Bank, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the Bank for International Settlements and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
At the dialogue, the attending representatives affirmed the positive progress made by China in supporting economic growth and promoting structural adjustments, said Liao Min, vice minister of finance, at a press conference on the same day.
Liao said that the representatives expressed the belief that the Chinese government can reinforce market confidence, and achieve stable and sustainable economic growth.
The representatives also said that the transformation of the Chinese economy will benefit the rest of the world, and stressed the need for China to ensure resilience of the Chinese economy, according to Liao.
The contribution rate of the Chinese economy to the world economy has been consistently at around 30 percent for over a decade, and China will continue to inject more certainty and predictability into the global economy through its own stable development, Liao said.
Focusing on the theme of building consensus for development and promoting global shared prosperity, the representatives engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as seizing opportunities amid changes to drive global economic transformation and growth, upholding multilateralism to advance reforms in the global economic governance system, and comprehensively deepening reforms in China to unlock broad prospects for modernization, Liao said.
According to Liao, the dialogue emphasized three key concepts: commitment, support, and cooperation.
"First, it reiterated a steadfast commitment to economic globalization and multilateralism. Second, it showcased strong support for global economic growth and shared development. And third, it contributed to promoting coordination and cooperation among international economic organizations," Liao said.
The heads of the 10 international economic organizations included President of the New Development Bank Dilma Rousseff, President of the World Bank Ajay Banga, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Secretary-General of U.N. Trade and Development Rebeca Grynspan.
Heads of international organizations show confidence in China's economy: official
Heads of international organizations show confidence in China's economy: official
The European Union（EU）and France have reaffirmed their support for Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland as concerns are growing over security in the Arctic following the recent statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the strategically important island.
Speaking at a press conference in Brussels on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that "Greenland belongs to its people, so it's up to Denmark and Greenland, and only to them, to decide on matters that are concerning Denmark and Greenland."
Noting that the EU is in contact with the Danish government, Von der Leyen stressed that security in the Arctic region is a key issue of concern to the EU.
Also on Wednesday, the European Parliament's political group leaders issued a statement, condemning the remarks made by the Trump administration regarding Greenland and terming them as a "blatant" challenge to international law and to the sovereignty of NATO member Denmark.
They urged the EU institutions to define "concrete and tangible" support for Denmark and Greenland, and stressed that decisions concerning Greenland belong to Denmark and Greenland alone.
"External attempts to alter the status quo are unacceptable," the leaders said.
In a related development, a group of 23 lawmakers sent a letter to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Wednesday, emphasizing that if the United States continues to threaten Denmark's autonomous territory, the European Parliament should suspend debates and votes on trade agreements with the United States.
Currently, the European Parliament is deliberating on removing most U.S. import tariffs and maintaining zero-tariff policies on U.S. lobster, with a vote scheduled for January 26 and 27.
Meanwhile, French government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon, citing President Emmanuel Macron, warned on Wednesday that any infringement on Danish sovereignty over Greenland would trigger "unprecedented" consequences.
"If the sovereignty of a European ally were affected, the cascading consequences would be unprecedented," said Bregeon.
"we are closely monitoring the situation and will stand firmly with Denmark to defend its sovereignty," the spokeswoman said.
On the same day, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu noted the need for serious consideration of recent U.S. signals concerning Greenland.
Lecornu reaffirmed France's "full solidarity with Denmark and the legitimate authorities of Greenland," adding that safeguarding the sovereignty of other countries is an important foundation for safeguarding one's own sovereignty.
Furthermore, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on Wednesday that France will open a consulate in Greenland on February 6, calling the move a "political signal" over the strategic Danish territory.
The foreign minister said that the U.S. plan of buying Greenland is "absurd" and that this "blackmail" should stop.
He reiterated that France and Europe will continue to support Denmark.
Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, while Denmark retains authority over defense and foreign policy. The United States maintains a military base on the island.
Since his first term, Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to acquire Greenland. Both Greenland and Denmark have made clear that the island is not for sale. The White House said last week that Trump will not rule out the use of force.
EU, France reaffirm support for Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland
