As China advances its 15th Five-Year Plan, global experts gathered in a Hub roundtable to analyze how the nation’s focus on high-quality growth, innovation, and domestic demand will reshape international economic dynamics. Moderated by Wang Guan, the discussion featured insights from Zhou Xing of PwC China, Zhou Mi of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, Peking University’s Zha Daojiong, and John Milligan-Whyte of the America-China Partnership Foundation.
Key themes included the rise of "new quality productive forces"—such as green tech and AI—as drivers of global supply chain resilience. Zhou Mi emphasized China’s 2026 growth targets, noting that "strengthened domestic demand creates a $2 trillion import market, benefiting trade partners." Meanwhile, Zha Daojiong highlighted deepening ties with the Global South, calling cross-regional collaboration a "tectonic shift" in equitable development.
Panelists also addressed balancing openness with geopolitical challenges. John Milligan-Whyte pointed to China’s digital economy, projected to exceed 50% of GDP by 2026, as a magnet for overseas investors. Zhou Xing added that reforms under the Five-Year Plan will streamline market access, particularly in advanced manufacturing and renewables.
With the Chinese mainland prioritizing innovation-led growth, the roundtable underscored opportunities for APEC members and WTO economies to align with emerging sectors. As global uncertainty persists, China’s development roadmap offers a stabilizing force—and a call for pragmatic partnerships.
