China unwavering on free trade, globalization

As the World Economic Forum's annual meeting approaches, China hopes to send a message that the nation will further promote free trade and investment and promote globalization, according to a senior official with the nation's top economic regulator.

"Despite trade tensions with the United States, China hopes to send the message that the nation will stick to efforts to facilitate globalization," said Xia Qing, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission, on Wednesday.

China will stick to its pledges to continue to promote opening up, facilitating global economic cooperation and communication, he said.

Driven by the new international dynamics and cutting-edge technologies, China will advance reforms and innovation to push for quality economic development for a brighter future, he said.

The comments come as attention is expected to be focused on how China positions itself on the world stage during the forum, which is expected to welcome more than 2,000 representatives from all over the world.

The Summer Davos starting next week in Tianjin will feature top-level discussions on a variety of topics including new technology, and finding new ways for innovation to address challenges and drive economic development.

"From its home in China, the Annual Meeting of the New Champions has grown over 12 years to become the leading global event bringing leaders from government and business together with those from science and technology. I'm proud this year to be welcoming so many Chinese and international partners, many for the first time, as we look to find new ways for innovation to address our gravest challenges and to drive human and economic development," said David Aikman, chief representative officer for China at World Economic Forum.

The theme of the meeting is Shaping Innovative Societies in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Top of the agenda will be workshops on how the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a transformation powered by new technologies such as artificial intelligence, the internet of things and gene editing, is already impacting economies and societies as well as the geopolitical landscape.