China and the European Union (EU) share a common interest in preserving a fair and rules-based international trade system, especially in light of rising global economic uncertainties, said Liu Baocheng, dean of the Center for International Business Ethics at the University of International Business and Economics.
Liu made the remarks following the 10th China-France High-Level Economic and Financial Dialogue held in Paris on Thursday.
"China and EU share quite a lot. First, they all believe that globalization shall lead to common prosperity through the exercise of comparative advantages of different participating nations. And they are also strong advocates of a fair and rule-based international trading system, so for any dispute frictions in trade, that should really be resolved through dialogue with respect to each other and based on understanding, instead of based on power or cards that can be played by," said Liu.
Liu emphasized that China and the EU are likely to become increasingly aligned, as both seek to reduce their over-reliance on the United States, whose recent tariff policies have significantly disrupted global supply chains and undermined multilateral trade norms. "Given the uncertainty that is being produced by the current Trump administration, both are really seeking to reduce their over dependence on the United States and trying to diversify their market. So therefore, all-in-all, we share a great belief and also great practice and approach in dealing with international affairs and trying to be there to defend the multilateral trading system like WTO and guard against the protectionist approach and unilateral approach by the United States," he added.
China, EU united in upholding fair global trade amid rising uncertainties: expert
China, EU united in upholding fair global trade amid rising uncertainties: expert
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
