Developing countries seek to strengthen cooperation amid global trade tensions

GENEVA, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Delegates from developing countries called for strengthening cooperation and properly handling differences amid mounting global trade tensions during a dialogue held here on Thursday.

The dialogue, co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations Office in Geneva and the South Center, focused on the impact of rising global trade tensions on developing countries. Delegates from over 30 developing countries and international organizations attended the event.

Chen Xu, China's permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, said U.S. "reciprocal tariffs" represent typical unilateral and protectionist practices, depriving developing countries of growth opportunities and severely disrupting the global economic and trade order.

China remains committed to opening up and win-win cooperation, Chen said, adding the country will strengthen ties with other developing countries and continue to uphold the UN-centered international system and the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core.

Wu Hailong, board member of the South Center and president of the China Public Diplomacy Association, said the U.S. tariffs have hampered trade and economic growth in developing countries, hit global industrial and supply chains, and disrupted financial markets.

He said the Chinese side hopes to strengthen cooperation with the international community to address these challenges.

All parties at the event unanimously agreed to bolster South-South trade cooperation to promote development and achieve the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The South Center, headquartered in Geneva, is an intergovernmental organization of developing countries working together to promote their common interests on the global stage. As of April 2025, the South Center comprises 55 members, all developing countries.