Driving the world economy forward

China will continue to be a significant driver of the global economy and support World Trade Organization principles firmly, business leaders said.

"The benefits of a multilateral trading system far outweigh the harm brought about by trade frictions. It is practical for everyone if there's a set of rules everyone recognizes," said Yu Jianlong, secretary-general of the China Chamber of International Commerce. "Despite all the disputes and fights, being together is better than splitting up."

Stephen Perry, chairman of 48 Group Club, a British organization composed of company leaders devoted to promoting Sino-British trade, said China not only contributes to world growth but also benefits less-developed nations.