At the China Development Forum 2026 in Beijing, Chinese Premier Li Qiang welcomed more than 70 top executives from around the world, including Apple’s Tim Cook, and presented China as a reliable and steady partner in a time of global uncertainty. Speaking at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, Li described China as a “cornerstone of certainty” and a “harbour of stability,” especially as trade protectionism rises and the international order faces challenges.
Li emphasized that China offers an unmatched supply chain and a predictable business environment. He promised continued high-level openness to the outside world, including importing more high-quality foreign goods and working with other countries to achieve balanced trade growth. “China will unswervingly promote high-level opening up,” he said, adding that the nation aims to expand the global economic and trade “pie” together with partners.
The forum, held annually in late March after China’s national parliamentary session, serves as a key platform for Beijing to share its economic priorities with international CEOs. This year, the focus was on promoting China’s latest five-year plan (2026–2030), which continues to emphasize manufacturing and high-tech industries as drivers of growth. Leaders see this as a chance to attract more foreign investment.
Li’s remarks drew an implicit contrast with the United States. While he avoided naming the U.S. directly, analysts noted the message: China is focusing on economic development and stability rather than conflicts. For example, George Chen, a partner at the Asia Group consultancy who attended the event, observed that Li’s speech was among the most confident in recent years. He pointed out that China appears “safer, more reliable and stable” compared to a U.S. dealing with other issues.
The timing is notable amid ongoing global tensions. The U.S., under President Donald Trump, has been involved in a conflict with Iran, which has distracted from other priorities and led Trump to postpone a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Meanwhile, China’s massive trade surplus reached a record $1.2 trillion in 2025, sparking concerns in Europe and elsewhere about job losses from low-cost Chinese imports and potential overcapacity in industries.
People’s Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng addressed these worries in his own remarks at the forum. He defended China’s export strength as the result of economic reforms, a large domestic market, strong supply chains, and research capabilities—not government subsidies. He also noted that persistent trade deficits in some countries stem from an international monetary system dominated by one currency, without naming the U.S.
The attendee list showed strong international interest, with U.S. executives making up about 45 percent of invitees, Europeans 36 percent, and the rest from Asia, Australia, and other regions. Financial services firms were the largest group, while energy sector representation was smaller. Notable attendees included leaders from Siemens, Volkswagen, SK Hynix, Nestlé, Mercedes-Benz, KKR, Cargill, Standard Chartered, and Boston Consulting Group.
Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke at the event, highlighting opportunities in China, particularly in areas like education. Other sessions included a dinner hosted by Vice Premier He Lifeng, where European executives discussed China’s five-year plan alongside topics like overcapacity and risks to European industries.
Unlike previous years, President Xi Jinping is not expected to meet with the top executives this time. Still, the forum underscores Beijing’s effort to reassure foreign businesses that China remains open for investment and committed to global cooperation, even as trade frictions linger. Li’s confident tone signals that China views itself as a steady anchor for the world economy amid broader geopolitical shifts.
