China urges the Group of Seven (G7) to adhere to the principles of market economy and international trade rules, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Thursday.
Lin made the remarks at a press briefing in response to a G7 statement that focused on reducing reliance on any single supplier of critical minerals, a move widely seen as a call to cut dependencies on China.
"On keeping the global industrial and supply chains of critical minerals safe and stable, China's position has not changed. All parties have the responsibility to play a constructive role for this end. China's standardization and refinement of its export control system is consistent with international practice and is taken to better safeguard world peace and regional stability, and to fulfill China's non-proliferation and other international obligations. We urge the G7 to earnestly observe the principles of market economy and international trade rules, and stop disrupting the international trade order with the self-made rules of a small group," said Lin.
China urges G7 to follow market economy and int'l trade rules: spokesman
Fueled by expanded visa waiver policies and improved visitor services, Shanghai's inbound tourism is surging this summer.
Beyond shopping, growing numbers of international visitors are embracing the "China Chic" trend, exploring revitalized historic landmarks and time-honored brands to experience the city's rich cultural heritage and modern evolution.
Along Nanjing Road, the century-old eyewear brand Wu Liangcai Optical has partnered with the Shanghai Museum’s summer exhibition, Ancient Civilizations of the Americas.
Its nearly 1,000-square-meter flagship store has been transformed into a vibrant cultural destination, blending retail with art to attract overseas visitors.
"So I think the idea is very nice, like to put the whole kind of traditional Maya into merchandise, it's very interesting. And I think the design is very nice as well. I think it's the first time I ever taste corn ice cream, and it's very nice, delicate, not too sweet, very good. See the culture, the food, the people, I think that's the most interesting thing. So, I think I would expect in China, in a city like Shanghai to see all the cultures, to see all the things," said James, a visitor from Britain.
Nearby, a historic building on the Bund is hosting an immersive Song Dynasty (960-1279) exhibition, combining classical paintings, life-sized sets, and dynamic light installations to offer international visitors a deeper appreciation of China's cultural heritage.
"The most I like was the Sun Wukong, because it's one of the most famous in the international places. Yeah, I really like how the Chinese they can put all the products, they can make art with the culture, and then they can spread in the world. Also, the foreigners they can enjoy about the books, the stories about China, and I really like it so much," said Torres, a Chilean visitor.
These innovative cultural attractions are encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore the city more extensively.
In the first half of 2026, Shanghai received over 5 million inbound overnight visitors, marking a 31 percent increase compared with the same period last year.
Fresh cultural experiences boost Shanghai's inbound tourism
