The 2025 Summer Davos forum in Tianjin has sent a clear message to the world: unilateralism has no place in business. As the three-day summit concluded its second day, attendees overwhelmingly agreed that the return of unilateralism would have severe consequences for the global economy. China’s Premier Li Qiang led the charge, urging business leaders to safeguard free trade and keep politics out of the marketplace.
Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in the new era, encouraging business leaders to play a bigger role, assume greater responsibilities, and add new dimensions to their endeavors. He stressed the need to follow the laws of the market, champion openness and cooperation, and uphold economic globalization. Li Qiang also warned against decoupling and severing supply chains, emphasizing that trade should not be turned into a political or security issue.
His call was echoed by economists at another session, who expressed concerns about the dangers of global fragmentation. If left unchecked, they warned, it could cause further shocks across the world, damaging companies and individuals alike. Paul Gruenwald, global chief economist for S&P Global Ratings, noted that high levels of uncertainty would lead to reluctance among firms to invest and consumers to spend, resulting in market closures.
The Annual Meeting of the New Champions, organized by the World Economic Forum, brings together thought leaders and business executives from around the world to discuss pressing global challenges. This year’s event, running from June 24-26 in Tianjin, China, has provided a platform for leaders to express their concerns about the rise of unilateralism and its potential consequences for the global economy.
As the summit continues, it is clear that the international community is united in its opposition to unilateralism and its commitment to free trade and economic globalization. The message from Tianjin is straightforward: business and politics should be kept separate, and the global economy should be allowed to thrive without unnecessary interference. With the world watching, the 2025 Summer Davos forum has sent a strong signal that cooperation and openness are essential for a prosperous and stable future.
