Foreign media on Xi's speech in Davos

Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the WEF (L) walks out with Chinese President Xi Jinping after a session during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Jan 17, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Editor's note: President Xi Jinping called for boosting free trade as a solution to global sluggishness at the Davos World Economic Forum on Tuesday.

His firm opposition to isolationism and protectionism comes at a time when China is taking more of a leadership role in reducing trade barriers and restoring confidence on global economy.

"The problems troubling the world are not caused by globalization," Xi said at the forum, which was attended by political and business leaders. He also stressed that no one would emerge as a winner in a trade war.

Here is a selection of quotes from foreign media reports on Xi's speech.

"He exhorted world leaders to 'join hands and rise to the challenge.' The speech was portrayed by some who heard it as a response to politicians in the US and Europe who are turning their focus inward."

-China's Xi Jinping Seizes Role as Leader on Globalization

Wall Street Journal, Jan 17

"He used the forum to promote inclusive globalization and warn that populist approaches can lead to war and poverty. He also warned that tit-for-tat trade controls would benefit no one."

-China President Xi Jinping: 'No one will emerge as a winner in a trade war'

CNBC, Jan 17

"His speech is rich in symbolism: Beijing is positioning itself as a global leader at a time when Western powers, and especially the United States, are retreating from the world stage and questioning the particular brand of globalization that now defines global trade.”

-Chinese president Xi Jinping: No one can win a trade war

CNN, Jan 17

"Chinese President Xi Jinping offered a vigorous defense of free trade at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday in a speech that underscored Beijing's desire to play a greater global role as the United States turns inward."

-In Davos, Xi makes case for Chinese leadership role

Reuters, Jan 17

"China's president launched a robust defense of globalization and free trade on Tuesday, drawing a line between himself and Donald Trump just three days before the US president-elect's inaugural address in Washington."

-Xi Jinping delivers robust defense of globalization at Davos

Financial Times, Jan 17