BEIJING (AP) – China’s premier called Monday for joint efforts to restore global economic confidence following the shock of Britain’s vote to leave the European Union.
Last week’s referendum “has had an obvious impact on international financial markets. We are seeing increasing uncertainties in the world economy,” said Li Keqiang, speaking at the World Economic Forum in the eastern city of Tianjin.
The unusually direct comments by China’s top economic official, who rarely discusses foreign political affairs, reflected the scale of official concern about the impact from turmoil in the 28-nation European Union, the country’s top trading partner. Any weakening of European demand could hurt export industries that employ millions of workers.
“Under such circumstances, we need to jointly handle challenges, strengthen confidence and create a stable international environment,” the premier told an audience of Chinese and foreign businesspeople. He gave no details of possible joint initiatives.
Li said Beijing wants to see a “united and stable” European Union and a “stable and prosperous” United Kingdom – a possible reference to concern the vote might inspire separatist sentiment in other EU nations or portions of Britain.