April 9, 2018 / 8:42 AM / Updated 33 minutes ago

China's premier says need to oppose unilateralism, trade protectionism

BEIJING (Reuters) - China’s Premier Li Keqiang said a trade war of unilateralism will not only harm bilateral interests but also hurt common interests of the world, according to a statement released by the state council on Monday.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang talks with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa (not pictured) during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China April 4, 2018. REUTERS/Parker Song/Pool

Amid uncertainties in global economic conditions, it is required of us to oppose unilateralism and trade protectionism, Li told United Nations Secretary General António Guterres in a meeting in Beijing on Sunday.

Challenging multilateralism with unilateralism will threaten global peace and stability, Li added.

Reporting by Beijing Monitoring Desk; Editing by Kim Coghill