Xi says China, Europe must ensure free trade

President Xi Jinping talks with King Philippe of Belgium during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan 17, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

With populist sentiment growing in Europe, President Xi Jinping called for joint opposition to protectionism in a meeting with King Philippe of Belgium on Tuesday.

China firmly supports Europe's integration process, and together with Europe will work to ensure a free and fair global trade and investment system, Xi told the Belgian monarch on the sidelines of the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

King Philippe agreed with Xi and said his country is ready to further promote European integration.

Observers have noted that in the wake of Brexit, trade protectionism is on the rise and some governments and political figures have scapegoated China by embarking on anti-dumping probes.

With elections set for Europe this year, a conservative, right-wing tilt is expected that would intensify protectionism, said Cui Hongjian, director of the Department for European Studies at the China Institute of International Studies.

The European Union's internal economic difficulties, including unbalanced development and shrinking competitiveness, have fed the phenomenon, Cui said.

"At this moment, it is time for China and European countries to jointly oppose populism and protectionism. It is time to fight against the negatives," Cui said.

Feng Zhongping, vice-president of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, noted that while the EU is feeling the pain of economic slowdown, it remains the world's largest group of developed countries.

"Avoiding contradictions and frictions serves the interests of both sides and sets up a good role model for the international community," Feng said.

Also on Tuesday, Xi met with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on the sidelines of the forum. Ukraine is preparing to assume the rotating chairmanship of the United Nations Security Council next month.

Xi said it is sincerely hoped that Ukraine maintains social and economic stability, and China "is willing to play a constructive role" in pushing for a political settlement to the nation's crisis. Poroshenko agreed with Xi's call for strengthening dialogue and coordination at the UN.

Xi said the two nations should reinforce ties in education, culture, health, sports and tourism. Poroshenko noted potential in logistics, harbors, farming and steel.

Xi also met with outgoing US Vice-President Joe Biden on Tuesday. Biden, who holds office until Friday, said China-US ties are of vital importance, and the two nations should deepen trust and enlarge cooperation.