In a powerful statement during a diplomatic meeting in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that tariffs and trade wars are destabilizing the global economy and undermining international cooperation. His comments came during a state visit by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, highlighting China’s growing concern about global protectionism and its impact on trade and development.
“Trade wars and tariffs are eroding the legitimate rights of nations and damaging the multilateral trading system,” Xi said, according to state-run Xinhua News Agency. He emphasized that such practices are disrupting the world economic order and called for stronger international unity in upholding fair trade principles.
The high-profile meeting concluded with a major diplomatic achievement—the formal establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Azerbaijan. The partnership aims to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors and deepen bilateral ties.
Xi and Aliyev jointly announced the signing of 20 agreements under China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which includes collaboration on legal systems, green energy development, digital economy, intellectual property rights, and aerospace. The BRI, launched by Xi in 2013, is a global infrastructure strategy to boost connectivity and trade across Asia, Europe, and beyond.
Notably, China and Azerbaijan agreed to a mutual visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports, promoting smoother travel and stronger people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.
Xi expressed China’s willingness to work closely with Azerbaijan to uphold the global system with the United Nations at its core. He also highlighted the need for deeper law enforcement and security cooperation between both sides.
Strategic initiatives were discussed to enhance customs efficiency and cargo transportation, including the development of a direct, stable China-Europe Express route via the Caspian Sea. The leaders agreed to work on expanding trade in green and high-quality agricultural products, while also exploring new opportunities in renewable energy.
Bordered by key regional players like Iran, Russia, Georgia, and Armenia, Azerbaijan was one of the early supporters of the Belt and Road Initiative. Its geographical position makes it a crucial player in transcontinental infrastructure and trade networks.
Xi’s comments come at a time when global trade tensions, particularly those involving major economies like the United States, are casting shadows over international cooperation. By strengthening partnerships like the one with Azerbaijan, China continues to position itself as a key advocate for open markets and multilateralism.
This latest diplomatic move not only cements China’s relationship with Azerbaijan but also sends a clear message to the world: collaboration, not confrontation, is the path forward in navigating today’s complex global economic challenges.
