VP urges global teamwork, warns of protectionism

China's development cannot be separated from the rest of the world, and the world's development cannot be separated from China, Vice-President Wang Qishan said on Monday.

He also warned against protectionism in the name of national security when delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the 8th World Peace Forum.

"The interests of all countries have been deeply intertwined and economic globalization is the main trend, even though there could be setbacks during the process," Wang said.

When faced with challenges, the biggest fear is fear itself, he added.

Dialogue and cooperation in economy, finance, science and technology and energy should be strengthened in order to build a higher level of global economy, Wang said.

The vice-president called for efforts to build a more fair, reasonable, stable and well-organized international order because "without a peaceful and stable global environment, there will be no development to speak of".

Major countries should assume their responsibilities and play an exemplary role, (and) make more contributions to world peace and stability, he said.

Wang also reaffirmed China's commitment to never seek hegemony, expansion or spheres of influence, saying that China will stick to its path of peaceful development.

To walk the path of peace, China will expand development through reform and innovation and learn from the advantages of other countries through opening-up, he said.

"It's not possible for one country to develop without connecting with the world. Protectionism should be avoided so all players are equal and are given the space and time to protect their interests," said Sarah Serum, Kenyan ambassador to China, who attended the opening ceremony.

Herman Van Rompuy, former president of the European Council and a former prime minister of Belgium, said the most important message sent by Wang's speech is that China wants to engage in the world community, not retreat as some others are doing.

"It is a positive message, very much in line with what the European Union means to do. The EU is a great, great supporter of multilateralism and international economic order," he said after listening to the speech.

Wu Shicun, president of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, said there is a misunderstanding in global society that China's proposals such as the Belt and Road Initiative are intended to challenge the world order.

"Against such a background, the vice-president emphasized in his speech that China is a member of the international society that safeguards multilateralism and international order," Wu said.

Le Yucheng, vice-minister of foreign affairs, said at a luncheon of the World Peace Forum on Monday that China's development is an opportunity and contribution to the world, but by no means any kind of challenge or threat.

China will neither build a high wall nor decouple with any country, Le said, instead China will only further open up to the rest of the world.