Chinese Premier Li Qiang warns against 'cold war mentality' in veiled critique of US at UN

China's Premier Warns Against 'Cold War Mentality' In Veiled Criticism Of US

Chinese Premier Li Qiang warned against a return to a “Cold War mentality” and defended multilateralism and free trade, in remarks that were seen as a veiled criticism of the United States at the United Nations.

Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Li did not mention US President Donald Trump by name but projected China as a defender of the global order, which Washington had traditionally led.

“The world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation,” Li said. “Unilateralism and (the) Cold War mentality are resurfacing. The international rules and order built over the past 80 years are under serious challenge, and the once effective international system is constantly disrupted.” He added that humanity had “once again come to a crossroads.”

Li criticised the imposition of tariffs, a tool Trump has used to pressure other countries, even though a truce with China has been reached. “A major cause of the current global economic doldrums is the rise in unilateral and protectionist measures such as tariff hikes and the erection of walls and barriers,” he said. “China has consistently opened its door wider to the world.”

He added that China hopes to work with other nations to uphold the ideals of the UN.

The United States and its Pacific allies have long pressed China to respect the status quo and allow freedom of navigation in the strategic South China Sea, where Beijing has disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan. While still critical of China, the Trump administration has emphasized US power over defending international conventions.

Li’s address follows recent remarks by the Chinese Foreign Ministry countering Trump’s criticism of the United Nations. A spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, said the UN played an “irreplaceable role” in safeguarding global peace and security.

“China always believes that in a world as turbulent as ours, it is all the more important to uphold and defend the authority of the UN,” Guo said.

“China stands ready to work with other member states to renew the founding mission of the UN, reaffirm the commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and revitalise the UN’s authority and vigour in the new era, so as to play a bigger role for safeguarding world peace, promoting common development and building a community with a shared future for humanity.”