As China prepares for the fourth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee in October, global attention turns to how the country will advance its high-level opening-up strategy amid shifting economic tides. President Xi Jinping’s recent Qiushi magazine article, emphasizing institutional reforms and global alignment, signals a transformative phase in China’s economic policy.
Against a backdrop of rising protectionism and supply chain uncertainties, Xi’s call for “three strategic transitions” aims to redefine China’s role in global trade. These shifts include moving from goods-based liberalization to institutional integration, streamlining post-market regulations, and actively shaping international economic rules rather than merely adopting them.
Experts highlight institutional opening-up as the cornerstone of this strategy. While China has historically focused on tariff reductions and market access, the new approach prioritizes harmonization with international standards in areas like digital trade, green energy policies, and competitive neutrality. Pilot projects in Hainan Free Trade Port – set for full customs closure by December 2025 – exemplify this push, testing innovative frameworks for tax reforms and cross-border trade facilitation.
The upcoming CPC meeting is expected to address implementation challenges, including enhancing China’s capacity to navigate trade disputes and strengthen its voice in global economic governance. For businesses and investors, these developments signal potential opportunities in sectors aligned with China’s institutional reform agenda, particularly in advanced manufacturing and sustainable technologies.
