TIANJIN: Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair emphasized on Tuesday the importance of global engagement with China, highlighting the country's significant transformation over recent decades. He urged nations to understand and engage with China rather than opting for isolation.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Blair made these remarks during "A Conversation with Sir Tony Blair," a session held as part of the 2025 Summer Davos Forum in Tianjin Municipality, North China, from June 24 to 26. Blair emphasized that China's remarkable transformation began with its opening up to the world, and that understanding China requires viewing it through its own lens rather than through Western perspectives.

Blair acknowledged the existence of a limited group of individuals who may oppose a powerful China but stated his strong disagreement with them. He asserted that China has every right to be a major global power, given its rich civilization, large population, robust economy, and technological advancements.

The conversation was moderated by Borge Brende, president and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), who posed questions to Blair about China. As the executive chairman of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Blair highlighted that China's role as a significant partner for many countries is undeniable, and nations should avoid taking sides in the engagement with major powers.

Blair called for enhanced engagement with China, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people connections in addition to government and business interactions. During his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Monday, Blair reiterated that attempts to isolate China would be counterproductive, stressing the need for deeper understanding and dialogue between Britain and China.

The Summer Davos Forum, also referred to as the 16th Annual Meeting of New Champions of the WEF, is themed "Entrepreneurship for a New Era" this year. It focuses on five key areas: deciphering the world economy, outlook on China, industries disrupted, investing in people and the planet, and new energy and materials.