Xi Jinping Attends Session I of 15th G20 Leaders' Summit and Delivers a Keynote Speech
2020-11-22 04:52

On the evening of November 21, 2020, President Xi Jinping attended Session I of the 15th G20 Leaders' Summit via video link in Beijing and delivered a keynote speech entitled "Together, Let Us Fight COVID-19 and Create a Better Future". He stressed that the G20 should follow the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, uphold multilateralism, pursue openness and inclusiveness, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, keep pace with the times, and play a greater leading role in the international order and global governance in the post-COVID era. China stands ready to work with other countries to build a community with a shared future for mankind on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, peaceful coexistence and common development.

Xi Jinping pointed out that in the face of the most serious global pandemic in a century, the G20 has taken swift actions in the wake of COVID-19, guiding the global cooperation in the fight against COVID-19 and economic recovery. At present, the pandemic is still spreading while the international architecture is evolving at a faster pace. Rising unilateralism and protectionism are causing disruptions to global industrial and supply chains. For the G20, Xi Jinping believes more efforts are needed in the following areas:

First, build a global firewall against COVID-19. We must first put the disease under control at home and, on that basis, strengthen exchanges and cooperation to help countries in need. We should speed up action and support the WHO in mobilizing and consolidating resources and distributing vaccines fairly and efficiently. China is ready to strengthen cooperation with other countries, and work to make vaccines a global public good accessible and affordable to people around the world.

Second, ensure the smooth functioning of the global economy. While containing the virus, we need to restore the secure and smooth operation of global industrial and supply chains, explore the liberalization of trade of key medical supplies, and facilitate the orderly flow of personnel. China hopes more countries will join the China-proposed mechanism on the mutual recognition of health certificates based on nucleic acid test results in the form of internationally accepted QR codes. China supports the G20 in carrying out institutionalized cooperation and building global cooperation networks to facilitate the flow of personnel and goods.

Third, harness the role of the digital economy. We need to cultivate new growth drivers through scientific and technological innovation and digital transformation, enhance data security cooperation, strengthen the digital infrastructure, and level the playing field for high-tech companies from all countries. We also need to address the challenges posed by the digital economy to employment, taxation and vulnerable groups, and seek to bridge the digital divide.

Fourth, pursue more inclusive development. In spite of its own difficulties, China has fully implemented the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI). It supports the decision on DSSI extension, and will increase the level of debt suspension and relief for countries facing particular difficulties. We should help women walk out of the shadow of the pandemic. China has proposed the convening of another Global Leaders' Meeting on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in 2025 to contribute to women's development in the post-COVID era. China supports the UN in holding the Food Systems Summit next year, and proposes the holding of an international conference on food loss and waste in due course.

Xi Jinping stressed that the G20 should follow the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, uphold multilateralism, pursue openness and inclusiveness, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, keep pace with the times, and play a greater leading role in the international order and global governance in the post-COVID era.

First, we need to strengthen the UN-centered international system. We should firmly support the UN's authority and standing, follow the purposes and principles of its Charter, and uphold the international order underpinned by international law. We should support the UN in more effectively building global consensus, mobilizing global resources, coordinating global actions, and playing a bigger role.

Second, we need to improve the governance architecture for economic globalization. We should firmly uphold the multilateral trading system, promote free trade, oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and safeguard fair competition. We should continue the reform of the international financial system, buttress the global financial safety net, and raise the representation and voice of developing countries.

Third, we need to promote the sound development of the digital economy. We should work together to foster an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for building the digital economy. China launched the Global Initiative on Data Security, and is willing to discuss and formulate rules on global digital governance. China proposes a meeting on artificial intelligence (AI) in due course to advance the G20 AI Principles and set the course for the healthy development of AI globally. The G20 also needs to discuss developing the standards and principles for central bank digital currencies with an open and accommodating attitude.

Fourth, we need to build up capacities for tackling global challenges. We need to enhance the role of the WHO, improve pandemic preparedness and response, and build a global community of health for all. We should take COP26 of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and COP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity, which will be held next year, as opportunities to strengthen international cooperation in the field of ecology and environment. China calls for a complete ban on illegal trade of wildlife.

Xi Jinping pointed out that based on a scientific analysis of the new stage of China's development, China will stay committed to the new development philosophy, and actively foster a new development paradigm, which will bring more opportunities to other countries. China will always be a builder of global peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of international order. On the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, China stands ready to pursue peaceful coexistence and common development with all countries, bridge differences through dialogue, resolve disputes through negotiation, and make a joint effort for world peace and development.

Xi Jinping finally stressed that as a Chinese poem reads, "Past a fallen ship, one thousand sail onward; for a sick tree, ten thousand thrive by spring", when COVID-19 is over, the world will rise from the pandemic and emerge even stronger. Let us join hands to deliver a better life for our people and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

The summit was hosted by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, the G20 Presidency this year. Leaders of G20 members and guest countries, and heads of relevant international organizations attended the meeting.

The leaders generally spoke highly of the progress made in international cooperation on COVID-19 since the Extraordinary G20 Leaders' Summit held in March this year. They stressed the importance of strengthening solidarity and cooperation in the face of COVID-19, adding that the G20 should continue to play a leading role in anti-pandemic and economic recovery. They agreed that countries should strengthen international cooperation on vaccines and support the important coordinating role of the WHO. While preventing and controlling the pandemic, countries need to resume work and production to ensure an open and safe global supply chain. They will continue to implement the G20 DSSI, uphold international law and international rules, support the reform of the WTO, uphold the multilateral trading system, and work together to create an open, fair and non-discriminatory environment. Countries will strengthen cooperation in digital economy, climate change and other fields to promote strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive development in the post-COVID era.

Ding Xuexiang, Liu He, Yang Jiechi, Wang Yi, He Lifeng and others attended the meeting.

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