China International Consumer Products Expo opens with record scale of global participation

The fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) opened in south China's island province of Hainan on Sunday with a record scale of global participation.

More than 1,700 companies from 71 countries and regions are participating in China's only national-level exhibition focused on consumer goods, showcasing over 4,100 brands.

Two special exhibition zones, respectively, on artificial intelligence (AI) and low-altitude economy applications, are set for the first time in Hall No. 1, where nearly 90 enterprises are showcasing their newest products and services, including more than 20 leading corporations in consumer electronics and cutting-edge sci-techs.

Brands like Huawei and Unitree are demonstrating products such as the latest smartphones and humanoid robots.

Live displays of low-altitude techs, such as Xpeng AeroHT's "flying car" and EHang's drones for cross-sea transport and tourism, are taking center stage.

China's Ministry of Commerce, one of the organizers of the CICPE, launched the "Shopping in China" campaign on Sunday morning, a nationwide initiative promoting shopping, dining, and tourism, as well as exhibitions and performances with about 30 activities throughout the year.

"Since five years (ago), we [have been participating in this] Hainan expo. We have now a company in Hainan. I am now living in Hainan. We have customers all over China. It's very big. The opportunity of China is the size of the market," said Ramel Francois Felix, CEO of Les Vignerons du Castelas.

"When we joined the consumer products expo last year, 80 percent of the exhibits we brought here were produced exactly according to designs for Pakistani people. So this year, we have brought different exhibits, many of which were designed with Chinese cultural elements," said a Pakistani exhibitor.

The first Singaporean exhibition group of enterprises appeared at the expo.

"Singapore selected five enterprises to attend the fifth CICPE. China's huge consumer market is their primary focus, and they hope this expo will help them enter the Chinese market and find some good business partners to sell their products better," said Liu Peng, chief representative with the Singapore representative office of the Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development.

The 2025 CICPE is bridging global brands with China's market, highlighting Hainan's role as a key free trade hub.

China International Consumer Products Expo opens with record scale of global participation

China International Consumer Products Expo opens with record scale of global participation

China International Consumer Products Expo opens with record scale of global participation

China International Consumer Products Expo opens with record scale of global participation

Citizens of the Republic of Korea (ROK) have shared their views and expectations for future cooperation with China ahead of President Lee Jae Myung's state visit, which began in Beijing on Sunday.

Lee is making his first visit to China since assuming office in June 2025, with the state visit scheduled to run until Wednesday.

Street food vendor Jang Dong Il said he had high expectations for the visit, hoping it would lead to effective cooperation between the two countries and improvements in the economic environment for mutual benefit.

"More exchanges between the two countries would boost for the two economies. I am full of hope for a strong cooperation between President Lee Jae-myung and President Xi Jinping," he said.

"I have high hopes for this meeting between our countries' leaders. President Lee Jae Myung is visiting China between January 4 and January 7, to discuss economic, cultural and tourism exchanges.I understand about 200 to 300 South Korean corporate executives have traveled with him. I have high hopes for this. If this visit helps strengthen relations between two leaders,I believe it could lead to a win-win outcome and bring ROK and China closer together," Yang said.

"The leaders' meeting can spark dynamic exchanges in economy and culture. More exchanges between the two countries would boost the two economies. I am full of hope for a strong cooperation between President Lee Jae-myung and President Xi Jinping," said Noh Yun Ji, a teacher.

"The two can complement each other economically and continue to develop," said Kim Yoon Jung, a Seoul resident.

Dancer Yoon Ji Eun shared her experience of visiting Shanghai, saying that the delicious food suited her taste and that the city’s fashionable, clean urban environment left her with a positive impression of China.

"Last summer, I took a trip to Shanghai, and after seeing it for myself, I found the food was to my taste, and the city was modern and clean. So I came to see China as a captivating country," Yoon said.

"First of all, China is a very large country. And the food is delicious. I enjoy dishes like malatang and hot pot.I love Chinese food," Noh said.

The ROK citizens also expressed hope for strengthened people to people exchanges with China.

Recalling her time studying dance in China, Yoon said her experience highlighted the role of education in fostering cultural understanding.

"Although I don’t know much about this, as I mentioned, I went to Shanghai for dance lessons. It shows education can offer cultural experiences," she said.

South Koreans hope president’s first visit to China will enhance exchanges