China is accelerating efforts to develop mechanisms for greater openness in line with its goal of integrating economic modernization more closely with international trade. At the Central Economic Work Conference held on December 11–12, the need to deepen reforms in areas such as alignment with international trade standards, green trade, digital trade, and service trade development was emphasized.
These strategic steps are shaped by decisions endorsed at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. In particular, enhancing compliance with international standards in areas such as intellectual property rights, environmental standards, e-commerce, and finance will bolster China’s participation in mechanisms like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Additionally, China aims to make its market more inclusive for least-developed countries by promoting trade openness policies.
The Role of the Belt and Road Initiative
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, plays a central role in China’s global economic development strategy. As the initiative’s impact grows, high-quality and sustainable infrastructure projects take center stage. China continues to strengthen global connectivity through projects such as expanding China-Europe freight train routes and improving cross-border logistics corridors. Furthermore, efforts to promote the green transformation of energy infrastructure and enhance the sustainability of financing mechanisms are integral to these objectives.
China’s interior regions are transforming into hubs of international trade through the “Western Development Plan” and the Belt and Road Initiative. These efforts not only enhance the economic potential of these regions but also help achieve a more geographically balanced openness policy.
These comprehensive reforms aim to strengthen China’s position as a global leader, increase its economic resilience, and accelerate its modernization process.