British secretary hopes China plays bigger int'l role

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-09-09 09:41

China must shoulder more leadership in restoring global economic growth and fighting climate change, British Business Secretary Peter Mandelson said in a Beijing speech yesterday. Mandelson said an array of pressing international woes would be difficult to solve unless China gained more say - and used that say cooperatively.

"China is at great pains to tread lightly as it grows," Mandelson said at the Central Party School, a training ground for party officials. "But there is now no alternative to the full leadership role that its economic status deserves."

Mandelson's call for China to become more of a player in solving global problems comes ahead of the next G20 summit in Pittsburgh later this month, and during intensifying negotiations seeking a new climate change treaty.

Mandelson served as EU Trade Commissioner, sparring with Beijing over disputes about textiles and other mounting Chinese exports, before returning to a heavyweight role in British politics.

Mandelson cited that trade experience as he pressed Beijing to shoulder greater economic influence.

By taking a more active international role, China could also help push for progress in the long-stalled Doha round of trade negotiations, aimed at extending trade liberalization under the World Trade Organization, said Mandelson.

Beijing has been seeking a bigger say in the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and other global financial bodies in the wake of the world economic slump, arguing that its growing sway is not fairly reflected in their decision-making.

Reuters