SEOUL — All responsible countries should join hands to defend multilateralism, uphold free trade and adhere to basic norms governing international relations, visiting State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Dec 5.

Wang made the remarks at a meeting with Ban Ki-moon, former secretary-general of the United Nations and chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia.

Some superpower does not abide by international rules, nor fulfill its international obligations, but instead takes unilateral and bullying actions at will, becoming the troublemaker in the world, Wang said.

Under such circumstances, all responsible countries should join hands to defend multilateralism, uphold free trade and adhere to basic norms governing international relations, he said.

Wang said China appreciates Ban's long-term devotion to upholding multilateralism and promoting the development of China-South Korea relations.

"We would like to work with the South Korean side to consolidate political mutual trust, properly handle problems we face, deepen exchanges and cooperation in all areas and pushing the China-South Korea strategic cooperative partnership to a new level," Wang said.

Ban, for his part, said that China has made significant and positive contributions to combating climate change and that he is ready to continue to play a constructive role in promoting South Korea-China relations, coping with climate change and safeguarding multilateralism.