By Xinhua,
Beijing : Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao Tuesday called for establishing a fair and non-discriminatory multilateral trade system.
“We oppose protectionism in investment and trade,” he said during a meeting with Britain’s visiting Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling, who is attending the first bilateral economic and financial dialogue.
Wen vowed to work with Britain and other countries to push the Doha round of trade negotiations toward a comprehensive and balanced result.
He said the international community was facing increasing opportunities and challenges as globalisation develops.
Both China and Britain were influential countries and should strengthen their dialogue based on mutual respect, equality, and reciprocity so as to expand common ground and overcome disputes, he added.
Wen hoped China and Britain would take the economic and financial dialogue as a platform to promote mutual understanding and cooperation.
Darling, visiting China as British Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s special representative, said Britain viewed relations with China from a long-term perspective.
He said Britain would like to promote dialogue with China on handling issues like economy, finance, and the environment.
He said protectionism in trade was wrong, adding that Britain supported recognizing China’s complete market economy status and opposed measures boycotting Chinese commodities.
Darling arrived in Beijing Monday afternoon.