David Miliband speaks out against protectionism in China
Miliband speaks out against protectionism in China
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Monday, 15, Mar 2010 05:18
By Richard James.
David Miliband has spoken out against protectionism during a speech in China, claiming it could threaten the global recovery from the economic crisis.
Beijing has expressed opposition to protectionism in the past, but on numerous occasions the west has accused China of engineering a climate in which foreign companies struggle to operate in the country.
Speaking in Shanghai on the first day of his trip on Monday, the foreign secretary said: "It is... essential that those with an interest in open trade create a bulwark against protectionism.
"It is worrying that we are seeing more reports of foreign investors in emerging economies encountering new barriers to investment.
"This not only increases protectionist pressures in Europe and the US. It also deprives China and other emerging economies of cutting edge technologies which in turn raises their own competitiveness."
During his speech the foreign secretary also called on China to build an efficient and stable economy while improving international ties.
Mr Miliband's visit comes amid strained relations between Beijing and London after the execution of Briton Akmal Shaikh for alleged drug smuggling by Chinese authorities in December despite protests from his family that he was mentally ill.
Britain also accused China of derailing the crucial Copenhagen climate talks last year.
Mr Miliband will meet with the Chinese premier Wen Jiabao on Tuesday as well as his foreign minister counterpart Yang Jiechi, with further sanctions against Iran expected to be high on the agenda.