At the China Development Forum 2025 in Beijing, leaders from around the world gathered to discuss how China’s growth could drive the global economy forward. With the theme “Fully Unleashing Development Momentum and Jointly Promoting Stable Growth of the Global Economy,” the forum highlighted China’s significant role on the world stage.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced plans to further open China’s markets to foreign investors, signaling the nation’s commitment to global collaboration. Amid a world economy facing challenges like slow growth, trade protectionism, and geopolitical tensions, China’s resilient and dynamic economy offers a beacon of hope.
One of the key strategies China is employing is expanding domestic demand. By boosting consumption and improving investment efficiency, the nation aims to make domestic demand the main driving force and stabilizing anchor for economic growth. This includes initiatives to enhance consumer spending power, increase high-quality supply, and improve the consumption environment.
China is also leading in technological innovation, achieving milestones in areas like new energy vehicles, high-speed trains, and artificial intelligence. In 2024, China’s production of new energy vehicles surpassed 10 million units, and the prototype of the world’s fastest high-speed train, the CR450, was released. Such advancements not only fuel China’s economic growth but also contribute to global technological progress.
Efforts to optimize the business environment have made China a magnet for global investment. By reducing restrictions on foreign investment and opening up sectors like telecommunications, healthcare, and education, China is attracting more foreign enterprises. In the first two months of 2025, over 7,000 foreign-invested enterprises were established in the Chinese mainland, marking a significant increase from the previous year.
China’s commitment to expanding openness is also evident in its active participation in international trade and partnerships. The Belt and Road Initiative has strengthened economic ties with countries along the route, accounting for more than half of China’s total foreign trade in 2024. By hosting events like the China International Import Expo and participating in regional agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), China promotes global trade and cooperation.
As the world navigates economic uncertainties, China’s efforts to stimulate domestic consumption, foster innovation, and promote openness play a crucial role in driving global economic stability and growth. For teenagers and young adults in the Global South, these developments present opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and shared prosperity.
