Chinese Premier Li Qiang Warns Against Cold War Mentality at UN General Assembly Amid US-China Tensions

Chinese Premier Li Qiang and US President Donald Trump

Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a pointed message at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, cautioning against reverting to a "Cold War mentality" while championing multilateralism and free trade principles, in what appeared to be an indirect critique of United States policies.

During his address, Premier Li avoided directly naming US President Donald Trump, yet positioned China as a defender of global order—a role historically championed by Washington. His remarks highlighted growing tensions in international relations.

"The world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation," Li stated during his speech.

"Unilateralism and Cold War mentality are resurfacing. The international rules and order established over the past eight decades face serious challenges, and previously effective international systems are experiencing constant disruption," he observed, adding that humanity stands "once again at a crossroads."

Li specifically criticized tariff impositions—a strategy frequently employed by Trump to pressure other nations, despite the current trade truce with China.

"A significant factor in the current global economic stagnation is the rise in unilateral and protectionist measures such as increased tariffs and the construction of barriers to trade," Li remarked.

"China has consistently widened its openness to the global community."

The Chinese Premier expressed that China "seeks to collaborate with nations worldwide to uphold UN principles."

For years, the United States and its Pacific allies have insisted that China respect the status quo and ensure freedom of navigation in the contested South China Sea, where Beijing maintains numerous territorial disputes.

While the Trump administration continues to criticize China, it has notably shifted away from defending international conventions, instead emphasizing direct American power projection.