China stands ready to work with the European Union (EU) to expand mutual openness and jointly maintain the rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core, said a Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokeswoman on Thursday.
"China and the EU are both advocates of economic globalization and trade liberalization, and firm champions and supporters of the WTO. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU," said He Yongqian, the spokeswoman, at a press conference in Beijing.
"China is willing to work with the EU to strengthen dialogue and communication, expand mutual openness, deepen practical cooperation, jointly safeguard the rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, and safeguard stability and smooth operation of the global industrial chain and supply chain, in order to inject more certainty and positive energy into the world economy with the independence and stability of China-EU economic and trade relations," she said.
China willing to work with EU to uphold multilateral trading system: spokeswoman
Cuba held rallies and marches in all provinces on Thursday to celebrate the May Day International Workers' Day, with workers unions, citizens, and global visitors gathered at Havana's Revolution Square for a grand parade.
The May Day parades have been an annual tradition in the country since the victory of the 1959 revolution. For this year, the parades called for solidarity amid global economic turbulence and higher U.S. sanctions.
Started in the early morning, enthusiastic marchers and union workers grouped in blocs representing different unions, holding banners with all kinds of slogans to show support for the government and celebrate the national event.
The parade was presided over by top Cuban government and Communist Party leaders including former President Raul Castro, current President Miguel Diaz-Canel, and Premier Manuel Marrero.
In his remarks at the rally, Cuban Workers' Confederation leader Ulises Guilarte said that this year's celebration took place amid a complex world scenario, marked by the rise of a new and dangerous imperialist offensive. However, Cuban people will keep struggling for a better future, noted Guilarte.
The island country has long been coping with an economic crisis marked by high inflation, shortages, and U.S. sanctions, but the crowds showed their support for the government with the enthusiastic march.
"The revolution remains alive, our revolution will keep advancing; and despite the difficulties we are facing, we are still living a happy life, and we are eager to reach new and nice achievements for our nation," said Lucia Rodriguez, a local demonstrator.
More than 1,000 social activists from around the world also joined the celebration at the Revolution Square, demonstrating against the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba.
"I can imagine, due to the blockade, that Cuba needs to have strong relationships of solidarity, so I'm so happy I can be here, and be part of those relationships," said a Canadian activist during the event.
Cuba holds rallies, parades to celebrate International Workers' Day
