Li Qiang on Sunday pledged to further open China’s economy to foreign companies and promote more balanced trade with global partners, following a year of tariff tensions with the United States and European Union.Speaking at the China Development Forum in Beijing, Li said China will increase imports of high-quality goods and work with partners to expand and optimise global trade.
The remarks come after China posted a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025, raising concerns among several countries about trade imbalances and reliance on Chinese exports.Li acknowledged ongoing challenges, including scrutiny over China’s trade practices and industrial overcapacity, as Beijing navigates a fragile trade truce with Washington.
A planned meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping was recently delayed amid geopolitical tensions.Meanwhile, central bank governor Pan Gongsheng said global imbalances should be viewed beyond goods trade, noting China’s large services deficit alongside its goods surplus. He also stressed that China has no intention of gaining a trade advantage through currency depreciation.
China is also stepping up efforts to attract foreign investment after a decline in inflows, offering incentives across more than 200 sectors, particularly in advanced manufacturing, green technology and modern services. Officials have pledged equal treatment for foreign and domestic firms, along with stronger intellectual property protections to boost investor confidence.
