China to firmly uphold multilateral trading system, warns against "law of jungle": vice premier

China will firmly uphold and respect an inclusive, rules-based multilateral trading system in which the rules apply equally to all countries, Vice Premier He Lifeng said on Tuesday as he warned against a return to the "law of the jungle" approach to global trade.

In a special address at the 2026 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, He said China has consistently honored its commitments since joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001.

He said China will continue to act as a responsible participant in the multilateral system while supporting reforms of multilateral institutions including the WTO and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). "The rules must apply equally to everyone. A handful of countries should not enjoy privileges based on their strength, and the world must not return to the 'law of the jungle,' where the strong bully the weak. Every country is entitled to defend its legitimate rights and interests. Since joining the WTO, China has strictly followed the organization's rules, earnestly fulfilled its commitments and taken voluntary steps to contribute more. Last year, it solemnly announced that it will not seek new special and differential treatment in the current and future negotiations at the WTO. China will continue to firmly uphold the WTO-centered, rules-based multilateral trading system and firmly support the reforms of multilateral institutions, including the WTO and the IMF," he said.

"With a view to enhancing the authority, effectiveness and inclusiveness of the multilateral trading system and increasing the representation of the Global South and developing countries, China is glad to see countries reaching trade agreements that are mutually beneficial, but these agreements should comply with WTO rules," he said.

Under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue," the 2026 WEF meeting opened on Monday in the Swiss Alpine town of Davos and will run through Friday. About 3,000 leaders and experts worldwide are gathering to discuss five pressing global challenges, including enhancing cooperation, unlocking new sources of growth and deploying innovation at scale and responsibly.

China to firmly uphold multilateral trading system, warns against "law of jungle": vice premier

China to firmly uphold multilateral trading system, warns against "law of jungle": vice premier

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday that the European Union stands in full solidarity with Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark, stressing that their sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable.

In a special address at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, von der Leyen said the EU is preparing an Arctic security support package built on five pillars, including stepped-up investment in Greenland's economy and infrastructure and increased defense spending on European icebreaker capability.

Full solidarity with Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark is the first principle, and the sovereignty and integrity of their territory is non-negotiable, she noted.

Von der Leyen said the EU also plans to channel a major European investment push into Greenland to support the local economy and infrastructure, while using the bloc's defense spending increase to bolster European icebreaker capability and other equipment seen as vital to Arctic security.

She said Europe must adjust to a "new security architecture and realities" and is preparing its own security strategy, including an upgraded Arctic strategy, to be published later this year.

"And at the heart of this will be the fundamental principle: It is for sovereign people to decide their own future," she said.

Sovereignty, integrity of Greenland, Denmark's territory "non-negotiable": Ursula von der Leyen