Premier Wen: protectionism lingers global financial crisis

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-02-2009 12:05

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Premier Wen Jiabao is continuing his official three-day visit to Britain for meetings aimed at enhancing financial cooperation. The Chinese premier on Sunday warned against protectionism in the face of the lingering global financial crisis. He made the remarks when meeting with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with former  British Prime Minister Tony Blair during their meeting  in London Feb. 1, 2009. Wen is on a three-day official  visit to Britain, the last leg of his week-long European  tour. (Xinhua/Ma Jianguo)

During Sunday's meeting with Tony Blair, Wen Jiabao said that as the international financial crisis spreads, his visit to London was to send a message of confidence for the two countries to join hands to overcome current difficulties.

He said the two sides should further explore the potential for cooperation, and in particular, guard against trade protectionism.

The Chinese premier welcomed British businesses to invest in China, while expressing wishes for Britain to increase exports of goods, technology and equipment to China.

Blair said that Britain supports free trade, and is opposed to trade protectionism. He said businesses in the country wish to further their ties with China.