Spokesperson's Remarks｜China will further expand trade network and provide stability to world economy

China will further expand the trade network, be an even stronger magnet for investment, and provide stability and positive energy to the world economy through high-quality development and high-standard opening up, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press conference in Beijing on Tuesday.

The fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) opened last week and the 2025 Global Industrial Investment Promotion Conference for the Hainan Free Trade Port was held on Monday. Meanwhile, the 137th Canton Fair kicked off in Guangzhou on Tuesday. Some believe that amid the looming tariff and trade war, China has hosted multiple events, which shows its commitment to opening up.

As a response, Lin said that he believed many from both Chinese and foreign media had noted recent events. The fifth CICPE was attended by 65 Fortune Global 500 companies and over 4,100 consumer brands, a record high in its history. At the 2025 Global Industrial Investment Promotion Conference for the Hainan Free Trade Port during the CICPE, 265 projects were signed with an investment of about RMB 233.6 billion. At the Canton Fair that kicked off this morning, nearly 73,000 booths are dedicated to export-related displays and the number of exhibitors surpasses 30,000 for the first time. Moreover, the China Development Forum 2025 that was held not long ago attracted official representatives from 86 multinationals in 21 countries.

"The success of these events says a lot about the resolve and confidence of all parties in strengthening trade and economic cooperation and resisting unilateralism and protectionism." Lin said.

Lin further noted that being more and more open is China's firm commitment to sharing development with the rest of the world. Since 2017, the negative list for foreign investment has been shortened from 93 to 29 items nationwide, and all restrictions on access in the manufacturing sector have been removed. Last year, 59,000 foreign-invested companies were newly established in China, up by 9.9 percent year-on-year. According to the latest data released by competent authorities yesterday, China's total import and export of goods reached RMB 10.3 trillion in the first quarter, of which exports exceeded RMB 6 trillion with a relatively fast growth of 6.9 percent.

Lin pointed out that China is the world's market and a source of opportunities for every country. In a world full of uncertainties, China will continue to seek joining hands rather than throwing punches, removing barriers rather than erecting walls, and promoting connectivity rather than decoupling. (By Ma Ziqian/China Youth Daily)