Global business leaders reaffirmed confidence in China's economic resilience and technological innovation at the China Development Forum 2026, which opened in Beijing today. Chinese Premier Li Qiang set the tone by emphasizing China's role as a stabilizing force in global markets, stating the country will continue to provide 'certainty' through sustained development strategies.
Innovation Ecosystem Takes Center Stage
Apple CEO Tim Cook, co-chairing the forum, highlighted China's dual strengths in digital innovation and advanced manufacturing. 'China's developer community is redefining how technology empowers education, healthcare, and creative industries,' Cook noted, pointing to over 500,000 Chinese developers contributing to Apple's ecosystem. He also praised the manufacturing sector's shift toward automation, where smart factories now achieve 98% production accuracy in some tech supply chains.
Policy Clarity Drives Investment
Executives emphasized the importance of China's policy direction in their long-term strategies. KONE Corporation CEO Philippe Delorme stated: 'China's clear roadmap for urban renewal and green tech helps us align our R&D investments with market needs.' Roland Berger's Denis Depoux added that multinationals increasingly use China as both an innovation hub and testing ground for global solutions.
The forum's diverse attendance—featuring leaders from 40+ multinational corporations across tech, finance, and healthcare—underscores China's enduring appeal as a market and production base. As global economic uncertainties persist, participants highlighted China's unique position to drive sustainable growth through coordinated policy and technological advancement.
