Li Qiang speaks at a podium during a government report session

Li Qiang delivers a government work report at the National People's Congress. By 中国新闻社, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Economy

China’s Premier Li Qiang: Can Beijing’s Growth Strategy Outpace Global Headwinds?

Li Qiang: China will sustain growth, urges cooperation, criticizes protectionism.

byAndres Castro

September 26, 2025, 12:30 PM

Executive Summary

Chinese Premier Li Qiang affirmed Beijing’s confidence in its ability to maintain sustained economic growth and contribute to global development during his UN General Assembly address.

Premier Li criticized protectionist trade policies, including tariffs and unilateral measures, as hindrances to international trade and economic stability, urging closer global cooperation.

China reiterated its commitment to green and low-carbon development and its role as a “responsible participant” in addressing pressing global challenges.

The Story So Far

Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s address at the UN General Assembly comes amidst a global economic slowdown and ongoing international uncertainties, where he criticized protectionist trade policies and unilateral measures, implicitly referencing the tariffs and trade tensions that have impacted China. In this environment, China is actively seeking to project an image of domestic economic resilience and global responsibility, emphasizing its commitment to international cooperation and sustainable development.

Why This Matters

Premier Li Qiang’s UNGA address signals China’s strong confidence in its economic resilience and its intent to actively shape global trade discourse by criticizing protectionist policies such as tariffs, potentially exacerbating existing trade tensions. Simultaneously, China positions itself as a responsible global actor advocating for increased international cooperation and sustainable development, aiming to influence future global economic governance.

Who Thinks What?

Chinese Premier Li Qiang believes China is capable of maintaining sustained economic growth and contributing to global development, advocating for closer international cooperation and green development.

Premier Li criticized protectionist trade policies and unilateral measures, such as tariffs, stating they hinder international trade and contribute to a global economic slowdown.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang affirmed Beijing’s confidence in its ability to maintain sustained economic growth and contribute to global development during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday. He also used the platform to criticize protectionist trade policies and unilateral measures, which he suggested were contributing to a global economic slowdown.

Economic Outlook and Global Cooperation

Premier Li specifically highlighted tariffs as an example of policies that hinder international trade and economic stability. He urged nations to foster closer international cooperation, presenting China as a “responsible participant” in efforts to address pressing global challenges.

Furthermore, Li reiterated China’s ongoing commitment to green and low-carbon development. This commitment aligns with Beijing’s broader strategy to transition its economy towards more sustainable models.

Key Takeaways

The premier’s remarks underscored China’s dual focus on domestic economic resilience and active engagement in global governance. His address aimed to project an image of stability and responsibility amid ongoing international economic uncertainties.