China premier calls to 'oppose decoupling' at economic forum
China's premier called Tuesday for countries to «oppose decoupling», as economic tensions simmer between Beijing and the West, and the European Union prepares to impose new tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
Friction between the West and the world's second-largest economy has intensified in recent years, particularly as Beijing and Washington compete for supremacy in advanced technology and new «green» industries.
«We should broadly open our minds, work closely together, abandon camp formations, (and) oppose decoupling,» said Li Qiang, China's second-ranking leader, who has been tasked by President Xi Jinping with managing economic affairs.
Li's comments came during a speech at the opening of a World Economic Forum conference known as the «Summer Davos», held this year in the northeastern Chinese city of Dalian.
Worries about a disengagement between China and major economies in the West have rumbled for years as they clash over a range of issues including trade and technology.
Last month, the United States hiked tariffs on $18 billion worth of imports from the country, targeting strategic sectors like electric vehicles, batteries, steel and critical minerals, a move Beijing warned would «severely affect relations between the two superpowers.
China is also facing heightened scrutiny from the European Union, which is preparing to impose tariffs of up to 38 percent on its EVs by July 4, citing concerns over unfair competition caused by heavy state subsidies.
The duties will be provisional until November, when
