As China has undergone great economic development, its participation in the global governance system has never been more relevant to the economy and development in a global backdrop, Guterres said. The UN welcomes China's positive contribution as it brings the world equilibrium and harmony, he said.
About the escalating U.S.-China trade conflict, Guterres said trade wars are always bad for those involved and for the international economy as a whole. "We need to have international cooperation," he emphasized.
He said wherever there is a problem, there must be dialogue and serious discussion to overcome the problem. "I am a strong believer in multilateralism ... to address global problems... Global problems need to have global answers, and global answers can only be implemented through multilateral frameworks," he said.
The international framework that governs global trade is of extreme importance with the World Trade Organization at its center, he said.
"Free trade is a very important contributor to global prosperity," he said.
"We need to make an effort to improve things, not denying globalization but improving it," the UN chief said.
"I am very happy that China has been totally committed to ... Agenda 2030 not only at the Chinese level but also in cooperation with other countries, especially the developing world," he said.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals, also known as the Agenda 2030, are a collection of 17 targets aimed at addressing human rights, climate change and environmental issues.
China plays a very important role in the Agenda 2030 and in South-South cooperation, Guterres said. He called the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative a very good example of South-South cooperation.
The BFA conference will be held in Boao in China's southern island province of Hainan from April 8 to 11. The theme is "An Open and Innovative Asia for a World of Greater Prosperity."
