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Chinese Premier Li Qiang, in reference to Donald Trump’s tariffs, has warned against return to the ‘law of the jungle’ in trade, denouncing unilateralism ahead of Trump–Xi talks.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump (Photo: AP)
Days ahead of talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, Chinese Premier Li Qiang has said the world should not return to “the law of the jungle” when it came to trade, as he denounced “unilateralism”.
Speaking at a regional summit in Kuala Lumpur, Qiang, in reference to tariffs imposed by US President Trump on many countries, including China, said, “Economic globalisation and multipolarity are irreversible”.
“The world should not return to the law of the jungle where the strong bully the weak,” he added.
Li also called for a strengthened commitment to the global “free trade system.”
At a meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit, Li said that unilateralism and protectionism were “rampant” and posed “huge risks to the region.”
Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi, are due to meet on Thursday in South Korea to try to reach an agreement that would end their ongoing trade war.
Trump is due to meet Xi on Thursday in South Korea for their first face-to-face talks since the 79-year-old Republican’s return to the White House.
Before Trump’s arrival in Malaysia, Bessent and China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng held two days of trade talks, seeking an agreement to avoid additional 100 percent tariffs due to come into effect on November 1.
Negotiators from Beijing and Washington have both confirmed that a “framework” has been agreed, news agency AFP reported.
HOPES GROW FOR CHINA TRADE DEAL
The US President touched down in Tokyo on the latest leg of an Asian tour on Monday, and while en route, he said he was hopeful of a deal when he sees Xi on Thursday, while also indicating he was willing to extend his trip in order to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
“I have a lot of respect for President Xi and we are going to, I think… come away with a deal,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One, adding that he aimed to go to China “in the earlier part” of 2026.
Trump’s Asia trip, his first tour of the region since returning to office, kicked off in Malaysia on Sunday with a flurry of agreements on the sidelines of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.
He also moved to mend fences with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, but not with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, ruling out a meeting any time soon.
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Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
October 28, 2025, 06:49 IST
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