Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged countries to open their markets to combat “rising instability and uncertainty” at the China Development Forum in Beijing on Sunday, as China prepares for further U.S. tariffs. “In today’s increasingly fragmented world, it is more necessary for countries to open up their markets and enterprises to resist risks and challenges,” Li told foreign CEOs and visiting U.S. Republican Senator Steve Daines.
Li pledged that China would “implement more active macroeconomic policies, intensify counter-cyclical adjustments, and introduce new incremental policies when necessary.”
High-Profile Attendees Amid Geopolitical Tensions
The forum attracted CEOs including Tim Cook of Apple, Cristiano Amon of Qualcomm, Pascal Soriot of AstraZeneca, and Amin Nasser of Saudi Aramco, though sources indicated fewer American executives participated than last year due to strained U.S.-China relations.
Li met with Senator Daines and seven American CEOs on Sunday. Daines, a strong supporter of President Donald Trump, was the first U.S. politician to visit China since Trump took office in January.
Looming Trade Challenges and Investment Push
Beijing is actively seeking foreign investment as Trump has announced “reciprocal” tariffs to take effect on April 2. The Trump administration recently imposed 20% tariffs on Chinese exports, prompting China to retaliate with duties on American agricultural products.
Economic policymaker Han Wenxiu expressed confidence in China’s economy, stating it “has continued to show a trend of rebounding and is expected to achieve a good start in the first quarter.” After foreign direct investment plummeted last year, China’s State Council unveiled an action plan to attract foreign investment.
Business leaders noted positive signals regarding China’s investment environment. “The messages we got is China’s open for business, China is set for growth,” said Ola Kallenius, chairman of Mercedes-Benz Group, who announced plans to invest 14 billion RMB into innovation in China.