Xi Jinping calls for global cooperation to get economies back on track

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday appealed for global cooperation to overcome the economic challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic.

In a video address to the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Xi said the “trend of opening up and cooperation among countries remains unchanged” and all nations should promote “mutual openness”.

The annual event comes as most of the world is still battling Covid-19 and governments fear importing new infections. Some foreign visitors are taking part in the expo – after undergoing 14 days of quarantine – but most of the people in the audience for Xi’s speech were Chinese officials and delegates.

Xi said the decision to hold the event reflected China’s “sincere desire to share market opportunities with the world and promote world economic recovery”.

The speech came as much of the world was following the US presidential election, though Xi made no mention of that event.