Tianjin (TDI): At the opening of the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, widely known as Summer Davos, Chinese premier Li Qiang emphasized the need for greater global cooperation and innovation, urging countries to remain open despite growing geopolitical tensions and economic challenges.Â
The VIP meeting, held in Tianjin for the eighth year in a row, drew more than 1,800 delegates from almost 90 countries, the largest number in years, thus reflecting the world community’s keen interest in China’s economic future and the nation’s role as a driving force for global trade policy.
 Premier Li’s speech set the tone for the week-long meeting, hosted by the World Economic Forum, that covered five broad themes: making sense of the world economy, China’s development path, industrial upgrading, investing in people and the world, and emerging technologies in energy and materials.Â
Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a keynote speech at the opening plenary of the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the #SummerDavos, in Tianjin.
The current international economic and trade landscape is undergoing profound changes. We should adopt a… pic.twitter.com/wWSiwD51dt
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In his broad-based speech, Premier Li sent three important messages: changing trends in global trade, the necessity of constructive global cooperation, and China’s determination to lead the charge in global economic recovery through persevering innovation and market expansion.
In highlighting the changing trade landscape, Li said emerging economies now drive 45% of global trade, and digital services and green trade are driving the growth.
He also pointed to rising protectionism with concern, saying more than 1,200 discriminatory trade measures were put in place globally in 2024, and called for more efforts to promote multilateralism.Â
“We will not and shall not go back to closed and isolated islands; we need more win-win cooperation bridges,” Li stated, adding that “China is willing to cooperate with all countries to make economic globalization continue to follow an inclusive, resilient, and innovation-driven course.”
He emphasized that cooperation, not competition, has to be the guiding principle of international economic relations, calling on all countries to settle disputes through talks and adopt a long-term vision.Â
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In speaking of China’s continued role as a driver of growth, Li stated that China contributed almost 30% of world growth in recent years and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to deepen domestic demand, improve the business environment, and stimulate entrepreneurship.Â
“China will open its doors wider to the world. We invite global enterprises to invest in China, deepen your roots here, and grow alongside us,” he expressed.
 The premier also spoke of China’s success in leading high-tech areas such as artificial intelligence, green energy, and high-end manufacturing, calling for the sharing of locally developed innovations through open-source cooperation.Â
As the Summer Davos 2025 opens in Tianjin, Premier Li’s words echo as a call to harmony in a divided world. His words emphasized China’s strategic goal of becoming a stabilizer through inclusive growth, innovation-driven development, and global connectivity in this new era of economic transformation.
A passionate International Relations student with a strong interest in diplomacy, policy, and global affairs. Dedicated to contributing thoughtful analysis and research on international issues.
