British Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the General Debate of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 26, 2018. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday called on world leaders to embrace globalization and uphold a rules-based international system which are key to the world development.

May, addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), said the international community has seen "what happens when the natural patriotism which is a cornerstone of a healthy society is warped into aggressive nationalism, exploiting fear and uncertainty to promote identity politics at home and belligerent confrontation abroad, while breaking rules and undermining institutions."

The way to prevent that lies in "global cooperation between strong and accountable states based on open economies and inclusive societies," said May.

"Only global cooperation based on a set of agreed rules can ensure competition is fair and does not succumb to protectionism, with its certain path to lost jobs and international confrontation," May added.

May's address came one day after U.S. President Donald Trump said "We reject the ideology of globalism, and we embrace the doctrine of patriotism" in front of the the UNGA.

The best way of resisting protectionism, May pointed out, is to ensure that this century is defined by open markets that really deliver for all our people.

She emphasized that "delivering for your citizens at home does not have to be at the expense of global cooperation and the values, rules and ideals that underpin this."

"We reaffirm our shared commitment to work together within a rules-based international system to address shared global challenges and foster a fairer, more secure, more sustainable and more prosperous future," May added.