China hailed as stabilizing global force

China, which is advancing on its unique path to modernization, has consistently acted as a stabilizing force in and major contributor to global growth, through initiatives such as green transformation and technological innovation, said senior international executives.

Beijing has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable and high-quality development, attracting global investment, said John McLean, chairman of the City of London Branch of the Institute of Directors in the United Kingdom.

With a commitment to high-quality development, China is accelerating green, digital and smart transformation, which, coupled with the country's sophisticated industrial ecosystem, provides the best testing ground for the latest outcomes of technological revolution and industrial upgrading.

Such transformation has not only boosted domestic economic growth, but also strengthened China's position as a key player in the global economy, McLean said in an exclusive interview with China Daily.

He said this reflects the consistent perseverance of China's top leadership to deepen opening-up policies and foster a fair, transparent and predictable business environment for global investors.

During a meeting with more than 40 representatives of the international business community in Beijing in March, President Xi Jinping pledged to strengthen communication with foreign businesses, provide as much convenience as possible for them to trade and invest in China, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of foreign businesses in accordance with the law.

From "Made in China" to "new quality productive forces", China has empowered industrial transformation and upgrading through innovation, and is set to realize higher-quality and more sustainable development, said foreign business leaders.

For years, China has been attracting global investors with its strong economic growth, adaptability and collaborative potential, McLean said while sharing his perspectives on China's economic potential, the evolving global trade landscape, and the strengthening of ties between China and the international business community.

Drawing on over 26 years of experience in China, McLean expressed strong confidence in the nation's economic management and resilience. He highlighted China's remarkable achievements over the past two decades, including advancements in technology, clean energy and artificial intelligence, which have positioned it as a global leader in innovation.

McLean said China's economic growth target of around 5 percent for this year is a reasonable and attainable goal that will bolster confidence and stability amid increasing global uncertainty.

"China's growth has always been under scrutiny — whether it's 10 percent, 8 percent or 5 percent. But its leadership in global markets has consistently demonstrated the ability to adapt and drive progress," McLean said, noting that China's GDP grew 5 percent year-on-year in 2024, ranking among the world's fastest-growing major economies.

He said China's recent opening-up policies, such as visa-free travel measures, are helping to reshape perceptions and attract foreign entrepreneurs to conduct business in the country.

To further encourage global exchanges, China has expanded the list of unilateral visa-free countries to 47 and transit visa-free countries to 55. McLean described such policies as "a significant step in the right direction", emphasizing their role in fostering greater mobility and openness.

These efforts have yielded results. Data from the National Immigration Administration showed that China recorded 163 million passenger trips in the first quarter of 2025, up 15.3 percent year-on-year.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce reported that actual use of foreign direct investment in the Chinese mainland climbed 13.2 percent year-on-year in March. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 12,603 new foreign-invested enterprises were established nationwide, representing a year-on-year rise of 4.3 percent.

Bernd Einmeier, president of the German-Chinese Association for Economy, Education and Culture, said the stable growth momentum of China's economy serves as an important global public good, helping to buffer uncertainty across international markets.

Foreign business operations and investments in China have driven economic growth and employment, boosted technological and managerial progress and facilitated reform and opening-up. In this process, foreign businesses have thrived and generally enjoyed handsome returns, and they also have achieved win-win results and forged profound friendships with the Chinese people, he added.

During an earlier business trip to China, Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer, visited Apple supplier Goertek in Shandong province and praised its use of automated manufacturing and artificial intelligence technology on production lines.

"China is a central part of our critical supply chain, and we've been investing here for 30 years," said Williams. "We will continue to invest in China in a big way."

renqi@chinadaily.com.cn