Li Qiang on China International Import Expo (CIIE)
TL;DR
Li Qiang strongly advocates for the China International Import Expo as a vital bridge for global economic connection and continued opening up.
Key Points
The Premier delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) on November 5, 2025.
He stated that the CIIE adheres to the principle of pursuing shared benefits with the world, contrasting this with disruptive unilateralism.
Li Qiang reaffirmed China's commitment to advancing high-standard opening up and expanding institutional opening, including pilot programs for the services sector.
Summary
Premier Li Qiang explicitly positioned the China International Import Expo (CIIE) as a crucial global platform during his keynote speech at its opening ceremony, describing it as an "estuary" where the world economy flows into China's and a vital bridge linking China and the world. He highlighted the record number of participating enterprises as evidence of the immense vitality of China's super-large market, underscoring his commitment to high-standard opening up and high-quality growth. The Premier also used the event to push for global economic principles, calling for the upholding of equality, mutual benefit, and free trade in response to worldwide unilateralism and protectionism.
His remarks contextualized the CIIE within China's broader economic certainty, referencing the recently approved recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan which promise continued development and openness. Li Qiang called for advancing the reform of global governance and improving international economic rules, specifically affirming China's readiness to work with all parties to improve the multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization. Furthermore, he promoted institutional opening up and pilot programs to further open the services industry, stating that a modernizing China will offer greater stability and positive energy to the global economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Li Qiang emphasized that the CIIE serves as a critical gateway connecting the global economy with China's market and acts as an important bridge between China and the world. He used the forum to reaffirm China's commitment to unswervingly promoting high-standard opening up. This message reinforces the expo's role in China's strategy for high-quality growth.
He called for upholding equality and mutual benefit to consolidate the foundation of shared interests in the global economy. The Premier also stressed the importance of adhering to moral righteousness to safeguard international fairness and justice. Furthermore, he advocated for advancing governance reform to refine the international economic and trade rules system, with the WTO at its core.
Li Qiang connected the CIIE's message of openness to the recent approval of the recommendations for China's 15th Five-Year Plan. He stated that these recommendations inject certainty into China's future development and openness. He positioned a modernizing China as a source of stability and positive energy for the world economy.
Sources4
Chinese premier reaffirms commitment to opening up at import expo
Premier Li Qiang says CIIE serves as a bridge linking China and the world
Li Qiang: CIIE Adheres to 'Shared Benefits with World'; CN Insists on Equality, Mutual Benefit, Upholding Morality/ Promoting Governance & ReformFinancial News
Key takeaways from the Chinese premier's CIIE speech - CGTN
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.