#China #Xi Jinping #Beijing #Hainan

Embracing Openness: China's Vision for Quality Development

In November 2025, after the visits of President Xi Jinping to Hainan and Guangdong, CGTN highlighted China's commitment to high-standard openness as an essential pathway for quality development. This national strategy promotes a comprehensive approach to modernization through international collaboration and reform.

Hainan: A Gateway to New Opportunities

Hainan, with its newly established free trade port, serves as a pioneering symbol of China's policy direction. Officially launching on December 18, the free trade port promises to streamline customs operations, significantly impacting both regional and global trade dynamics.

President Xi has identified this port as a critical milestone in China's ongoing efforts to open up further and contribute to the global economy. He emphasized the need for institutional openness and an improved business environment that fosters innovation and attracts talent. Hainan's proactive approach includes incentives for skilled professionals, with over 70,000 experts identified since 2018 and a range of local laws aimed at enhancing the investment landscape.

Key industries in Hainan—tourism, modern services, high-tech, and tropical agriculture—account for nearly 70% of the region's GDP. With new maritime routes enhancing trade efficiency, Hainan is positioned to benefit from accelerated imports and exports, exemplifying the broader objectives set by the Chinese government.

Guangdong: A Powerhouse of Reform

As a historical leader in reform and opening-up, Guangdong is also pivotal to China's economic strategy. President Xi's recent inspection in the province underscores its role as a model for other regions in implementing the 15th Five-Year Plan. He called for continued reform and innovation to develop a modern industrial system with a competitive edge on the international stage.

In 2024, Guangdong's foreign trade reached an astounding 9.11 trillion yuan (approximately $1.3 trillion), marking a significant year-on-year growth. The province also witnessed a remarkable increase in foreign investment activities, with over 24,000 new companies established in the first nine months alone. This growth trajectory reflects Guangdong's attractiveness to global investors, illustrated by numerous projects signed in 2024 involving industry giants such as BASF, Tesla, and Pfizer.

A Commitment beyond Policies

As China approaches the next phase of its development, the emphasis on high-standard opening is clear. It's a commitment not simply to continue the policies of the past but to innovate and adapt in a rapidly changing global landscape. By fostering collaboration and reform, China aims to solidify its status as an integral player in the global economy.

Moving forward, it is imperative for the nation to maintain this momentum, ensuring that opening up will not just be a catchphrase but a sustained effort fueling future growth and development. As the 15th Five-Year Plan is drafted, its success will largely hinge on the implementations of these long-term strategies and their reflection on the global stage.