by Xinhua writers Gu Zhenqiu, Sun Xiaoling
LONDON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- "China can play a very big part" in the Group of 20 (G20) leading world economies, Cambridge University professor Alan Barrell told Xinhua in a recent interview.
Barrell spoke highly of China's role in ensuring the success of the G20 summit in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou two years ago.
As this year's summit is due to take place in Argentina later this week, he expected a more significant role of China this time in pushing forward globalization.
With economic globalization suffering setbacks and free trade under assault, the upcoming G20 summit, themed "Building Consensus for Fair and Sustainable Development," has attracted worldwide attention.
The summit will focus on issues like global economy, trade and investment, sustainable development, infrastructure and climate change. Argentine President Mauricio Macri has said that as host, his country will continue the consensus and results achieved at the Hangzhou summit.
Barrell lauded China's consistency and determination in pursuing common development and advancing globalization.
"I don't think protectionism is the answer to global trade," said the professor, who is also an entrepreneur in residence at the Center for Entrepreneurial Learning, Cambridge Judge Business School.
He questioned the anti-globalization actions taken by some other countries, which he said are "going a very wrong direction" and "in a way closing the door and stopping the trade."
"Protectionism eventually brings bad things ... It always shows to be bad in the long run," he said. "Trade wars are never won."
Speaking of Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at the recent China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Barrell said it demonstrated China's resolve to further open up and push for more balanced global trade, because "China is not only exporting, but also welcoming imports."
The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by Xi and aimed at promoting win-win cooperation and common development along the ancient Silk Road trade routes and beyond, "is a very big manifestation for opening up," he added.
