Senior Chinese official He Lifeng met with Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio in Beijing this week, underscoring China’s push to strengthen ties with global investors amid its economic transformation. The high-profile discussion, centered on macroeconomic trends and China-U.S. trade relations, highlighted Beijing’s commitment to fostering international confidence in its markets.
He, a key figure in China’s economic policymaking as director of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs, emphasized that the Chinese economy has maintained “stable momentum” in 2024. He pointed to emerging opportunities in consumption growth and a unified national market, while pledging to “deepen reforms and expand high-level opening of the capital market.”
The dialogue comes as China seeks to attract foreign participation in its financial sector. “International investors are welcome to actively engage in building China’s capital market and share in its development dividends,” He stated, according to official reports.
Dalio, whose $150 billion hedge fund has long operated in China, acknowledged the country’s economic achievements and expressed willingness to support bilateral cooperation. The meeting signals continued interest from major global institutions in China’s reform trajectory despite geopolitical tensions.
Analysts view such exchanges as crucial for stabilizing economic ties between the world’s two largest economies. The discussions align with China’s broader strategy to position itself as a predictable destination for overseas capital amid technological upgrades and sustainability initiatives.
