CIIE signals China's commitment to open cooperation with rest of world: commentary

The China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world's first national-level exposition dedicated to imports, is sending a strong signal to the world that China seeks open cooperation and mutual benefit with all parties, as this year's eighth edition brings fresh certainty to a world in need of greater openness, further development and more win-win cooperation, said a China Media Group (CMG) commentary published on Wednesday.

An edited English-language version of the commentary is as follows:

China is the only country in the world that hosts an international import expo, which is a significant and positive initiative. Numerous countries are dedicated to enhancing the global trade system, and this is a very encouraging sign, said Kishore Mahbubani, a renowned Singaporean scholar, on Wednesday.

Although the global economy is facing multiple challenges, most guests at the expo, like Mahbubani, remain optimistic about the future and praise China's commitment to expanding opening up.

The eighth CIIE is taking place in Shanghai from November 5 to 10. It has attracted participants from 155 countries, regions, and international organizations, including 290 Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders. This year, both the exhibition area and the number of participating companies set new records, with American companies taking the largest exhibition space for the seventh consecutive year.

China's super-sized market, full of dynamism and vitality, is sending a strong signal that it seeks open cooperation and mutual benefit with all parties. Amid complex global changes, more foreign companies are increasingly looking to and participating in the annual CIIE.

This year is crucial for China as it wraps up its 14th Five-Year Plan and sets the stage for the 15th. The recent fourth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee outlined a new vision for China's modernization.

As the first major economic diplomacy event held in China after this key political meeting, the eighth CIIE is bringing fresh certainty to a world in need of greater openness.

According to the World Openness Report 2025 released on Wednesday at the eighth Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai, the global openness index for 2024 is 0.7545, marking a year-on-year decline of 0.05 percent. In contrast, China's openness index is rising, with a year-on-year growth of 0.5 percent in 2024. Notably, from 1990 to 2024, China's openness index increased from 0.5891 to 0.7634, representing a 29.6 percent rise, placing it among the highest globally.

At a time when global openness is facing tremendous challenges, China has continued to expand its opening up to the rest of the world with marked achievements, setting an example for building a more open world economic system.

Meanwhile, by attending the CIIE, foreign investors are feeling more assured about China's development. Many foreign business leaders attributed this certainty to China's vast market, open investment environment, and stable policymaking.

This year's expo features 461 new products, technologies, and services.

Martin Fischer, president and CEO of Zeiss Greater China, noted that the expo has become a vital platform for launching new products, showcasing innovative technologies, and sharing opportunities in China.

The progress China has made in fostering new quality productive forces such as new energy, artificial intelligence and low-altitude economy has turned its vast market into a testing ground for global innovation.

One significant factor contributing to the current setbacks in economic globalization is the uneven and inadequate development across different regions. As a unique global platform for imports, CIIE is bringing fresh certainty to a world in need of more win-win cooperation.

China has been actively promoting a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, ensuring that all countries around the world can share the dividends of development.

This year's expo has introduced a special section dedicated to products from the least developed countries for the first time and has also expanded the existing African products section.

A total of 163 companies from the least developed countries are participating, reflecting a 23.5 percent increase from last year, while the number of African exhibitors has surged by 80 percent.

Additionally, the Hongqiao International Economic Forum has launched sub-forums this year focusing on two important topics: "Enhancing Economic Resilience in the Global South" and "Sustainable Agricultural Development in the Global South."

These initiatives will better support products from the least developed countries in entering the Chinese market, further integrating them into the global economy, and amplifying the development rights and voices of the Global South.

Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO of L'Oreal Group, expressed his belief that in China's vibrant environment of innovation and development, the momentum of open cooperation is unstoppable and will continue to grow. He emphasized that now more than ever, investing in China is investing in the future.

The more the world economy slows down and international disputes intensify, the more we should adhere to equal and mutually beneficial cooperation and embrace free trade. It is in accord with the people's expectations and is also the prevailing trend of history.

CIIE signals China's commitment to open cooperation with rest of world: commentary

A Chinese envoy on Friday called on factions in Syria to advance an inclusive political process and alleviate the humanitarian crisis, noting that the current situation in the country remains fragile.

Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said at a UN Security Council meeting that advancing an inclusive political process is key to resolving the Syrian issue. China hopes that factions in Syria will uphold the ceasefire and integration agreement reached and restore stability as soon as possible, he said.

"We welcome the efforts made by the Syrian transitional government to protect the rights of ethnic minority groups. We hope that factions in Syria will adhere to the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned principle, engage in inclusive dialogue, and advance the political reconciliation process," Fu said.

He stated that countering terrorism is a prerequisite for maintaining security. Terrorist forces remain active in Syria, posing a serious threat to the security and stability of the country and the entire region.

The evolving situation in northeastern Syria has given rise to security risks involving extremist group terrorists, causing widespread concern within the international community. Fu noted that facilities holding terrorists and the Al-Hol camp should receive high attention and be properly managed.

The Chinese envoy also stressed that alleviating the humanitarian crisis is urgent for improving the living conditions of the Syrian people.

"The humanitarian situation in Syria is dire, with 16.5 million people in urgent need of humanitarian aid. Hundreds of thousands of people in the northeastern region have been displaced and are struggling in freezing cold and torrential rain. The international community, especially traditional donors, should increase humanitarian assistance in Syria and ensure that UN agencies and other humanitarian organizations receive adequate financial support. All parties need to help Syria recover and develop its economy in order to fundamentally address the root causes of its humanitarian plight and instability," Fu said.

Fu also pointed out that the situation in Syria is closely linked to that in the Middle East. The Golan Heights are recognized by the international community as occupied Syrian territory, and the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement should be observed. Israel should withdraw from Syrian territory as soon as possible.

He emphasized that China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role in helping Syria achieve security, stability, and development at an early date.

Chinese envoy urges political process, humanitarian aid in Syria