International companies remain confident of China's economic prospects and vast market potential, a Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman said on Thursday, following recent meetings between the ministry and business leaders from over 20 multinationals in China.
Ministry leaders recently met with executives from multinational companies across sectors such as electronic information, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, automobiles, aviation, and food. The discussions focused on enterprise development in China and opportunities for expanding investment.
Global CEOs have been actively seeking new opportunities in China, drawn by its vast market, well-established industrial and supply chains, and strong capacity for technological innovation.
At a Thursday press conference in Beijing, He Yadong, spokesman for the ministry, highlighted the steady growth of China's economy since the beginning of this year, demonstrating resilience and vitality. He also reaffirmed China's commitment to high-level opening up and a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment despite global uncertainties.
"Many multinationals have expressed optimism about China's economic outlook and market potential, noting that the country's stability and certainty offer significant opportunities for business growth. They are willing to increase investment, strengthen innovative partnerships, and provide more high-quality products and services to China and the global market," said He.
Official data has shown that China remains a top destination for transnational investment. Some 60,000 foreign-invested companies were established in China in 2024 alone, a 9.9 percent year-on-year increase. The return rate of foreign direct investment in China has remained at approximately 9 percent over the past five years, ranking among the highest around the world.
Int'l companies optimistic about China's economic outlook, market potential
Residents of Paris criticized the United States on repeatedly signaling its interest in acquiring Greenland, stressing that such hegemonic actions violate international law and global order.
Since taking office in January 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed takeover attempts of Greenland.
White House press secretary Karoline Levitt said on Wednesday that Trump and his national security team are actively discussing options to acquire Greenland.
The world's largest island, which lies between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and the northernmost point of land in the world.
Amid rising global concerns over the Greenland issue, many on the streets of the French capital said the moves of Trump administration are driven by its desire to control more global resources.
"The United States' attempt to control Greenland is ultimately aimed at acquiring resources," said Yadi, a local resident.
Observers believe that the U.S. government's resource plundering is further evidence of its hegemonism and contempt for international law.
"Greenland is a territory of Denmark. The very fact that the United States is intervening in this matter for resources is shocking, as if the world's leading superpower can permit itself to do anything, acting with complete impunity. Now the U.S. believes it can do anything, even seeing itself as the center of the world. This situation is absurd in itself. The era when territories could be annexed in this manner is long gone," said Edes, a Parisian citizen.
"There are laws in the world, but the U.S. government does not respect international law and completely tramples on it," said Genaya, another Parisian.
The White House confirmed in an email to China's Xinhua News Agency that the options under consideration for acquiring the world's largest island include the use of military force.
Frank, another Parisian, believes this is possible after an audacious U.S. military operation in Venezuela in recent days, one that ended with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife captured and taken to New York.
"Given Trump's recent actions in Venezuela, we cannot rule out the possibility of military intervention by the United States in Greenland. Essentially, this is blatant plundering -- if I want something, I just take it or force it to be sold," he said.
Although Danish and Greenlandic government officials and European allies have also criticized the U.S. approach, some French people believe that the European Union needs to offer more resolute support to Denmark.
"In my opinion, even if Denmark rejects, the United States doesn't care about Denmark at all, let alone the European Union. If the EU does not firmly stand by Denmark's side and clearly state 'No, we won't accept it,' the U.S. will continue to test the waters," said Edmound, another resident.
Paris residents condemn U.S. Greenland bid, warn of threat to European sovereignty
