Praise for Chinese president's keynote address in Geneva

Chinese President Xi Jinping's keynote speech proposing to build a global community defined by multilateralism received positive reactions on Wednesday from social media users, officials and commentators.

The President of the United Nations General Assembly, Peter Thomson, wrote on Twitter that he was "greatly encouraged by China's strong commitment to multilateralism and the UN."

The Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), Michael Moller, saw Xi's visit as "an opportunity to deepen the vital collaboration between the UN and China."

This standpoint was reflected by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres' remarks to the press earlier Wednesday, where the newly-appointed diplomat called China's support for multilateralism "extremely positive."

While defending globalization, Xi warned in his speech that protectionism and self-isolation would benefit no one.

"Xi's outlook on multilateralism offers a counterpoint to current protectionist rhetoric," Peter Kenny, a UN based journalist writing for South African media, told Xinhua.

"His unwavering support on the Paris climate change agreement and his constant use of the word 'partnerships' offers great encouragement to those thinking of wavering," he added.

Xi paid a state visit to Switzerland from Jan. 15 to 18. There he met with his Swiss counterpart Doris Leuthard, opened the 47th annual World Economic Forum in Davos and convened with high level representatives from international organizations in Geneva and Lausanne. Endi