China counters 'shock' narrative with push for high-tech investment

Premier Li Qiang emphasized that China’s shift into the 15th Five-Year Plan, covering 2026 to 2030, prioritizes stability and deep integration into the global economy. Rejecting the notion that China's industrial progress threatens international markets, Li positioned the nation as a "safe harbor" for investors. He pointed to the country's consistent import growth, which rose 20.5% in the first five months of the year, as evidence of its commitment to global trade.

To solidify this stance, the government introduced a 15-measure action plan designed to streamline market access and improve conditions for foreign capital. Ministry of Commerce data confirms the appeal of this trajectory, showing that foreign-invested enterprises in China reached 533,000 by the end of 2025. Wu Chun, managing partner at Boston Consulting Group, reaffirmed the corporate sentiment during the event, describing the Chinese market as irreplaceable for multinationals seeking to tap into rapid consumer adoption of emerging technologies.