'World Can't Revert To Law Of Jungle': Chinese Vice Premier Warns Amid Trump's Greenland Threat

Last Updated:January 20, 2026, 17:39 IST

His speech comes as Trump pursues a high-profile bid to acquire Greenland, raising tensions between Washington and NATO ally Denmark.

China's Vice-Premier He Lifeng delivers a speech during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 20. (AFP photo)

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Tuesday warned that the world must not return to the “law of the jungle", in remarks made at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

His speech comes as US President Donald Trump pursues a high-profile bid to acquire Greenland, raising tensions between Washington and NATO ally Denmark.

“A select few countries should not have privileges based on self-interest, and the world cannot revert to the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak," He said.

The Vice Premier added that all countries have the right to protect their legitimate interests, stressing the need for fairness in international relations.

He also criticised the “unilateral" actions and trade deals of some countries, in an apparent reference to Trump’s mercurial trade policies. He said such measures violate the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and undermine global trade.

Beijing and Washington were embroiled in a bitter trade war last year, imposing retaliatory tariffs on each other’s goods. He said the current multilateral trading system is facing “unprecedented and severe challenges".

“We must firmly uphold multilateralism and promote the improvement of a more just and equitable international economic and trade order," He added.

(With inputs from AFP)

News world 'World Can't Revert To Law Of Jungle': Chinese Vice Premier Warns Amid Trump's Greenland Threat

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