From Yahoo Finance: 2025-03-29 01:15:00

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged global business leaders to resist protectionism and highlighted China’s stability as a reliable partner amidst escalating US tariffs. Xi’s comments come amid growing trade tensions, with the EU and other allies threatening retaliation. He emphasized the need to push back against retrogressive rules and zero-sum games.

Xi’s outreach to investors aims to address slowing growth and geopolitical tensions, with inbound investment to China hitting a three-decade low last year. Promising a transparent policy environment, Xi positioned China as a top destination for foreign investors, offering market access improvements and addressing operational challenges.

At a meeting with corporate leaders, Xi doubled the guest list from the previous year, including executives from finance, manufacturing, and technology. The benchmark CSI 300 Index fell slightly, showing some market response. Executives like Aramco’s Amin H. Nasser praised China’s certainty, and Xi emphasized personal relationships with companies.

Xi’s detailed responses to executives like FedEx, Mercedes-Benz, and Sanofi showcased China’s commitment to addressing key issues for multinational corporations. Chinese officials underscored the importance of the meeting, but Xi did not disclose specific new measures for foreign investors, despite ongoing complaints of unfair competition.

The US-China trade tension has impacted foreign companies operating in China, with fears of tit-for-tat actions due to the trade war. As companies navigate challenges, Chinese authorities have summoned Walmart and placed US firms like PVH Corp. and Illumina on a blacklist. More hurdles may arise as the US reviews Beijing’s trade compliance next month.

Premier Li Qiang emphasized China’s readiness for economic shocks as the government targets ambitious growth amid escalating trade tensions. The annual China Development Forum and Boao Forum for Asia attracted global CEOs, reflecting China’s efforts to engage with international business leaders and manage friction in China-US ties through dialogue.

Read more: Xi Woos Global Business Leaders as Trump Escalates Trade War