Nation's role as steadying global force highlighted

China will remain a stabilizing force in the global economy, with recent targeted financing tools and steps to bolster domestic demand and trade underscoring its proactive policy support, resilience and long-term growth potential, said market watchers and business leaders on Friday.

They made the remarks after the Washington-based International Monetary Fund said on Thursday that global inflation presents a mixed picture. Headline inflation has shown renewed upward pressure in several economies, with stronger readings recently in the United Kingdom, Australia and India.

Julie Kozack, director of the IMF's communications department, said that in the United States, there is evidence that tariffs are feeding through into higher prices, particularly in core inflation.

"And then we have countries where inflation pressures are very muted, for example in China and some countries in Asia," she said.

Analysts said China's ability to maintain relatively low inflation, safeguard supply chains and sustain steady exports of green and high-tech products underlines its role as a stabilizer in the global economy, especially at a time when certain countries are grappling with divergent price pressures and policy uncertainties.

China's recent policy moves show a clear commitment to cushioning the economy against global headwinds, said Wang Guannan, spokeswoman for the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

"By expanding financing channels for key sectors and ensuring stable demand at home and abroad, China is enhancing its role as a steadying force in the world economy," she said.

To meet these expectations, the National Development and Reform Commission, China's top economic regulator, announced earlier this week that the government will introduce a new policy-based financial instrument worth 500 billion yuan ($70.2 billion), as part of the country's efforts to improve financial services for the real economy and boost effective investment.

"Despite external pressures, China's economy has remained generally stable, with solid progress in high-quality development," said Li Chao, spokesperson for the NDRC. "As the effects of policies are fully released, we are confident in maintaining steady and healthy economic development, and confident in achieving the annual growth target."

Chen Jianwei, a researcher at the University of International Business and Economics' Academy of China Open Economy Studies, said that targeted measures that address domestic consumption as well as stable foreign trade growth are helping to build confidence among businesses and investors.

Chen said this reflects not only proactive policy support, but also the resilience and long-term potential of the Chinese economy.

Recognizing China's market strengths, Yin Zheng, executive vice-president of China and East Asia operations at French industrial conglomerate Schneider Electric, said that with its vast market size, comprehensive industrial support and resilient supply chains, China has become a central force in the global industrial landscape.

The rapid growth and broad application of frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence are further reinforcing this position, Yin said.

Denis Depoux, global managing director of management consultancy Roland Berger, said that the partnership between China and many Asian countries, especially economies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, has achieved resounding success, built on a foundation of deep integration.

Crucially, this deep regionalization is not just beneficial for Chinese or ASEAN companies, but is essential for Asia's future collective competitiveness, said Depoux, adding that amid global geopolitical tensions, building resilient regional supply chains is a strategic imperative.

"For Chinese companies, ASEAN is not merely an outlet, it is an integral part of a regional industrial ecosystem," Depoux said.

Furthermore, faced with rising uncertainties from the US, Asian governments are encouraging regional demand within Asia and accelerating efforts to build a more integrated and easier-to-navigate Asian market with resilient regional supply chains, he said.

zhongnan@chinadaily.com.cn