Chinese and foreign business representatives visit the exhibition hall of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province on April 15, 2025. Photo: VCG
Amid external uncertainties, China will stick to joining hands rather than shaking fist, dismantling barriers rather than erecting walls, and fostering connectivity instead of decoupling, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday, stressing that China is the world's market and an opportunity for all countries.
Lin made the remarks in response to a question saying China's hosting of multiple events shows China's determination to expand opening-up amid tariff and trade war clouds, as the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) kicked off in South China's Hainan Province on Sunday, the Global Industrial Investment Promotion Conference for the Hainan Free Trade Port was held on Monday, and the 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair kicked off in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province on Tuesday.
"Many domestic and international media friends have noticed the recent activities," Lin said. The CICPE set new records with participation of 65 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders, and over 4,100 brands. During the Global Industrial Investment Promotion Conference for the Hainan Free Trade Port, a total of 265 projects were signed, with the volume reaching 233.6 billion yuan ($31.95 billion). This year's Canton Fair features about 73,000 booths and over 30,000 participating companies. Meanwhile, the China Development Forum held in Beijing in March attracted the participation of official representatives of 86 multinational companies from 21 countries, Lin said.
These events demonstrate the strong resolve and confidence of all parties to strengthen economic and trade cooperation to resist unilateralism and protectionism, Lin said.
"China will only open its door even wider to the outside world. This is the country's firm commitment to share development opportunities with the world," Lin said.
Since 2017, items on the negative list for foreign investment in China have been reduced from 93 to 29, with all market access restrictions for foreign investors in the manufacturing sector being removed. Last year, China welcomed 59,000 newly established foreign-invested enterprises, marking a 9.9 percent year-on-year increase. According to data released by Chinese customs on Monday, China's foreign trade in goods in the first quarter of 2025 grew by 1.3 percent year-on-year, reaching 10.3 trillion yuan, with exports up by 6.9 percent year-on-year, totaling 6.13 trillion yuan.
"We will continue to expand the circle of trade partners and strengthen the gravitational field for global investment. Through high-quality development and high-standard opening-up, China will inject greater stability and positive energy into the global economy," Lin said.