Chinese President Xi Jinping also defended globalization at the Davos forum, and spoke against protectionism while highlighting the need for economies that benefit everyone.

Some are saying Xi showed impressive leadership, particularly in light of recent concerns over trade wars.

CGTN’S Roee Ruttenberg explains.

Much of President Xi Jinping’s speech needs to be taken in the context of not just what’s happening in Europe, but also, what’s happening on this side of the Atlantic.

Donald Trump has said he would ditch certain multilateral agreements, and protect American companies from foreign competition but introducing tariffs.

So that’s really the framework for President Xi’s comments in Davos. Knowing the world would be listening, it was his chance to state Beijing’s case against protectionist policies.

Xi said it’s like “locking oneself in a dark room.”

Xi also warned that no one would emerge a winner in a trade war, with the outgoing American Vice President Joe Biden seated in the crowd. The two also met separately, with Xi echoing his concerns of a global leadership vacuum.

Xi Jinping specifically called for a greater role for China in filling that vacuum. Some say: he’s already doing it.

Xi Jinping also met in Switzerland with the new U.N. Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, and with the head of the U.N. General Assembly. The two U.N. officials said they applauded China’s commitment to multilateralism, and China’s role in areas like climate change and the fight against poverty.

That meeting comes as some lawmakers here in the US are threatening to defund the United Nations. Xi Jinping warned against such actions. And says China wants “a shared future for mankind … where everyone benefits.”

Haiyan Wang discusses Xi’s speech at Davos

For a deeper dive into Xi’s speech at Davos, CGTN’s Elaine Reyes spoke with Haiyan Wang, managing partner of China India Institute.

Henry To discusses Xi’s visit to Davos

To learn more about Xi’s visit to Davos, Geneva and the implication of his two important speeches, CGTN’s Rachelle Akuffo spoke with Henry To from CB Capital Partners, Inc.