Full coverage: G20 Hangzhou Summit

At the end of June, Britain’s decision to leave the EU shocked the world. Amid the sluggish world economy, trade frictions, regional protectionism, and anger towards globalization are on the rise.

Meanwhile, the fruits of globalization are easily seen in China. For the past three decades, China achieved the unprecedented economic miracle of lifting more than 680 million people out of extreme poverty through trade.

China has shown the world that by dropping barriers and opening up, nations could reap great benefits through economic integration and cooperation. However, in recent years, global trade system has faced enormously challenges. Global trade has not just slowed down; it is in danger of collapsing.

According the Baltic Dry Index, which tracks major commodities moving by sea, it peaked in mid 2008, but plunged 94 percent amid the global crisis, and barely recovered since.

Furthermore, Britain’s surprising move to leave the European Union ushered in a new period of protectionism and xenophobia. Many have even declared that “the age of globalization is over.”

As one of the biggest beneficiaries of globalization, China has been a hallmark of successful trade integration, showing the world that globalization could be a mutually beneficial deal for both multinational corporations, and average citizens.

As the host of this year’s G20 leaders meeting, China is likely to spearhead the pushback against populist anger towards globalization by encouraging for more opening up and facilitating more trade agreements.