Interview: Int'l community favors fair, multipolar system -- former UN official

A constructive relationship between China and the United States is essential for global economic stability and shared prosperity.

by Xinhua writer Yin Xiaosheng

BRUSSELS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Amid growing unpredictability of U.S. policies, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General Erik Solheim called for upholding the UN-centered and rule-based multilateral system, as the vast majority of countries favor a fair and multipolar system.

In an interview with Xinhua, Solheim emphasized that a constructive relationship between China and the United States is essential for global economic stability and shared prosperity.

"Improved trade ties between China and the United States will not just benefit the two countries, but help bring everyone closer to prosperity by fostering a stable global trade system," he said.

Solheim noted that China has become the top trade partner for more than 120 countries, including major economies in the Americas and many African nations.

"With instability in the United States, many countries may turn to China and others as a reliable partner," he said.

On the recent U.S. tariff hikes, Solheim said such moves are "scoring its own goal," and hurt America's long-term interests. "These tariffs will lead to inflation and reduced competitiveness in sectors where the U.S. currently leads, such as IT and services," he said.

Solheim further expressed concern over U.S. policy unpredictability.

"Businesses need stability," he said, warning that erratic moves would deter investment in the United States.

Solheim called for a global order centered on the United Nations and grounded in the rules of international organizations such as the World Trade Organization, noting that most of the 190-plus nations around the world favor a fair and multipolar system.

"In many areas, it's win-win. We can all win if we work together," said Solheim.■