China redefines globalization with development-driven win-win cooperation

As the global economy grapples with persistent uncertainties, China is steadfastly pushing forward an alternative vision of globalization-one rooted in development and mutual benefit. This approach took center stage at the China Development Forum (CDF) 2025, held from March 23 to 24 in Beijing. Attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and over 100 international representatives, including business leaders, government officials, and scholars, the forum underscored the role of development as the key to economic recovery, global stability, and international cooperation.

At a time when trade frictions persist and geopolitical tensions threaten economic interdependence, China’s commitment to development-centric globalization offers a stark contrast to the protectionist measures and zero-sum rhetoric emerging from some Western economies. Through the CDF, China is not merely defending globalization but reimagining it, offering a path that prioritizes inclusivity, innovation, and shared prosperity.

The global economy continues to struggle with sluggish growth, protectionism, and supply chain disruptions. The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts in different regions, and rising trade barriers have further complicated international economic cooperation. In response, China is advocating for an open and cooperative economic model-one that moves beyond narrow nationalistic interests and instead fosters win-win partnerships.

While some nations are drawing ideological lines and imposing restrictions on trade and technology, China is actively working to break barriers and build new economic bridges. The CDF 2025 is a clear testament to this approach, attracting major multinational enterprises from 21 countries, including the US, Europe, South Korea, Japan, and the Global South. Companies such as Apple, Pfizer, Siemens, BMW, and Samsung joined discussions on unlocking development momentum and achieving stable global economic growth.

China’s vision of globalization is anchored in the principle that development should not be a privilege of a select few but a shared benefit for all. Through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and its commitment to multilateralism, China has demonstrated that economic interdependence and cooperation can lead to sustainable prosperity for all parties involved.

One of the striking features of this year’s CDF is the influx of new foreign investors eager to deepen their engagement with China. The presence of multinational CEOs and senior executives at the forum reflects a growing recognition that China remains a central player in global economic growth.

Recent developments further reinforce this confidence. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao’s meetings with executives from companies like Broadcom, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW AG highlight China’s continued commitment to an open business environment. AstraZeneca’s announcement of a $2.5 billion investment to establish its sixth global strategic R&D center in Beijing, alongside increased investments from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, showcase China’s enduring appeal as an investment destination.

Statistics also paint a promising picture. In 2024 alone, nearly 60,000 new foreign-invested firms were established in China-marking a 9.9% year-on-year increase. These figures indicate that, despite political rhetoric advocating for economic decoupling, global businesses continue to see China as a critical hub for long-term growth and innovation.

Beyond its traditional role as a global manufacturing powerhouse, China is rapidly transforming into an innovation leader. The forum featured a strong presence of emerging tech firms such as Unitree Robotics, Horizon Robotics, and RedNote-symbolizing China’s shift from being the world’s factory to a key driver of technological advancement.

The participation of tech giants such as Samsung and Qualcomm, whose executives visited Xiaomi’s new auto plant, underscores the dynamism of China’s innovation ecosystem. Meanwhile, China’s homegrown AI and semiconductor firms, including DeepSeek and Horizon Robotics, are proving that China is no longer just a follower but a pioneer in cutting-edge technologies.

The discussion at CDF also emphasized the role of green development and digital transformation in shaping the future of economic globalization. China’s push for carbon neutrality, smart manufacturing, and the widespread adoption of AI-driven solutions presents new opportunities for international collaboration. With a growing emphasis on sustainability and technological progress, China is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and future-proof global economy.

As Western countries intensify their efforts to restrict Chinese access to critical technologies and markets, China remains unwavering in its commitment to economic openness. While some governments advocate for reshoring industries and imposing trade restrictions under the guise of national security, China is taking a different route-one that prioritizes cooperation over confrontation.

A prime example of China’s dedication to openness is its efforts to strengthen international trade ties despite external pressures. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s largest free trade agreement, is a testament to China’s role in fostering regional economic integration. Similarly, China’s deepening engagement with Latin American, African, and Southeast Asian economies underscores its commitment to an inclusive globalization model that extends beyond traditional Western-led structures.

By advancing multilateral cooperation, China is demonstrating that globalization is not in decline but rather evolving to meet new challenges. The CDF 2025 made it clear that China is ready to champion this transformation, ensuring that economic globalization remains a force for shared progress rather than geopolitical rivalry.

The CDF is not just a platform for policy communication-it is a catalyst for actionable cooperation. The forum’s 12 symposiums covered crucial issues such as technological innovation, green growth, consumption-driven recovery, and financial reform. A recurring theme throughout the discussions was the necessity of collective problem-solving in the face of global economic uncertainty.

Issues like climate change, aging populations, and the digital divide cannot be tackled in isolation. Instead, they require a collaborative approach that prioritizes inclusivity and shared responsibility. China’s message at the forum was clear: economic development must be a global endeavor, and no country can afford to stand alone in addressing today’s challenges.

As economic globalization continues to evolve, China’s development-driven approach offers an alternative to the divisive, protectionist policies gaining traction elsewhere. The emphasis on openness, innovation, and cooperation showcased at CDF 2025 highlights China’s commitment to a future where economic growth benefits not just one nation but the entire global community.

As Premier Li Qiang emphasized at the forum, “Let more benefits of development reach everyone in a more equitable way.” This statement encapsulates the essence of China’s vision for globalization-one that is inclusive, forward-looking, and committed to long-term economic stability.

In an era where the concept of globalization is being challenged by rising protectionism and geopolitical rivalries, China is offering a compelling counter-narrative. By championing development, technological progress, and economic openness, it is not only reshaping its own economic landscape but also influencing the broader trajectory of global commerce.

The CDF 2025 marks yet another milestone in China’s journey to redefine globalization as a win-win framework-one that prioritizes economic collaboration over competition, bridges divides rather than deepens them, and ensures that the benefits of growth reach all corners of the world. As multinational enterprises continue to invest in China and global cooperation strengthens, it is clear that China’s development model is not just a national success story but a blueprint for a more interconnected and prosperous world.

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Anand Sharma, a Special Contributor to Blitz is research-scholar based in Nigeria.

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