- Beijing has been 'working actively to promote peace talks on hotspot issues,' such as Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, Li tells UN General Assembly session

ISTANBUL

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday warned the UN against “resurfacing” unilateralism, and cold war mentality, and tariffs while urging talks to end Israel's war on Gaza and the Ukraine-Russia war.

"Unilateralism and cold war mentality are resurfacing," Li said at the 80th UN General Assembly session in New York, noting that the international rules and order built over the past 80 years are "under serious challenge."

"The once effective international system is constantly disrupted," the Chinese premier added.

A major cause of the current global economic doldrums is the "rise in unilateral and protectionist measures such as tariff hikes and erection of walls and barriers," Li said, urging cooperation to be reinvigorated and win-win results to be pursued "amid sluggish global growth."

In early August, Trump signed an executive order and extended a tariff suspension on China for another 90 days until Nov. 10.

But a 10% reciprocal tariff remains in effect during the suspension.

The world’s top two economies were engaged in a tariff war, initiated by Trump, roiling markets before a mutual rollback of staggering levies.

"We should collaborate more closely to identify and expand convergence of interests, promote universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization and help each other succeed by moving forward in the same direction," Li said.

"How could we, when confronted with unscrupulous acts of hegemonism and bullying, remain silent and submissive for fear of might," Li questioned.

Li also said that Beijing has been "working actively to promote peace talks on hotspot issues" such as the Ukraine-Russia war and Israel's genocidal war on Gaza.

"China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of hotspot issues," he said.

UN investigators recently concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, where over 65,500 people have been killed since October 2023.