Fighting protectionism

In view of all this, it is clear that China has shown unwavering resolve to promote a more open and fair trade environment. But maintaining stable growth and sustainable development at home is an absolute precondition for China to remain a convincing and effective free trade flag-bearer. It is also a basic prerequisite for the country to assume a bigger role in the international community.

The WTO has slashed its forecast for international trade growth this year from 2.8 percent to just 1.7 percent. This would be the slowest growth since the financial crisis.

Protectionism, as it often does at times of slug-