As the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) took place in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10, its significance extends beyond the immediate commercial opportunities it offers international businesses. The expo takes place as protectionist measures have become increasingly common, geopolitical tensions are reshaping global supply chains and trade relations face growing uncertainty.
Against this backdrop, the CIIE offers an opportunity to reflect on China's evolving role in the global economy. As the world's second-largest economy and a major manufacturing powerhouse, China is seeking to strengthen its position not only as a global producer and exporter but also as an increasingly important market for international goods, services and investment.
This ambition was at the center of Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang's address at the opening ceremony on Nov. 5. Emphasizing China's commitment to economic globalization, Ding called for greater market openness, stronger international investment cooperation, technological innovation and dialogue to address global trade challenges. His message reflects a broader shift in China's economic priorities. Having become deeply integrated into global production networks, China is increasingly seeking to contribute to international growth through its domestic market, expanding consumption and continued opening up.
Since its launch in 2018, the CIIE has become a distinctive feature of China's international economic engagement. Unlike traditional trade fairs, which primarily promote a country's exports, the expo was established to encourage imports and provide foreign companies with a platform to reach Chinese consumers and businesses. Its ninth edition brings together thousands of overseas exhibitors, showcasing products, technologies and services from across the world.
The continued and expanded participation of American companies is particularly noteworthy. Despite persistent trade tensions between Washington and Beijing, U.S. businesses remain among the most prominent participants. This shows that economic interdependence continues to create incentives for cooperation, even when political relations are strained. For international companies, China remains an important market, while for Beijing, the CIIE demonstrates that international economic engagement is still central to China’s development strategy.
The expo also provides an opportunity to reconsider the debate over global trade imbalances. In his address, Ding stressed the importance of expanding the global economic pie rather than competing over existing market shares. This reflects China's position that international trade should be understood in light of the interconnected nature of modern production and supply chains.
Indeed, the benefits of Chinese exports are not confined to China. International companies contribute capital, technology, components and services to production networks operating in the country, while exports often involve suppliers from multiple economies. This makes it increasingly difficult to attribute the value generated by international trade to a single country.
At the same time, concerns over trade imbalances among major economies deserve serious attention. Addressing these concerns requires a broader discussion of how international trade can generate more balanced and sustainable growth, rather than allowing differences to escalate into trade disputes.
China's efforts to expand domestic consumption could contribute to more balanced global trade. Strengthening household demand, developing the services sector and improving the quality of consumption are central to the country's economic transition. They could also create opportunities for international businesses in areas such as healthcare, food, consumer goods, financial services and advanced technologies.
In this respect, the CIIE is more than a showcase for foreign products. It reflects China's recognition that a more dynamic domestic market can benefit both its own economic development and international trading partners. As Chinese consumers seek more diversified products, higher-quality services and innovative technologies, foreign companies have opportunities to contribute to and benefit from the evolution of China’s domestic demand. The real measure of the expo's success, however, will be the extent to which participation leads to deeper commercial engagement and greater access to Chinese consumers.
Foreign investment is another important dimension of this process. Multinational companies have played a significant role in China's economic development by bringing capital, technology, management expertise and access to international markets. Their presence has connected Chinese industries with global production networks, supported local suppliers and contributed to industrial upgrading.
Today, however, the international investment environment is becoming more complex. Geopolitical tensions, supply-chain diversification and regulatory uncertainty are influencing corporate decisions across the world. China therefore has a clear interest in maintaining an attractive and predictable business environment, where foreign and domestic companies can compete, innovate and participate in economic development on fair terms. Greater certainty and consistency in the implementation of regulations would further strengthen confidence among international investors.
This is particularly important in the technology sector. China's growing capabilities in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing are reshaping international competition. At the same time, these sectors offer considerable opportunities for cooperation, particularly in the digital economy and green development.
For European companies, China represents both a major market and an increasingly sophisticated technological competitor. Greater collaboration in clean energy, digital infrastructure and technological innovation could contribute to shared development and help address global challenges, including climate change. Competition and cooperation need not be mutually exclusive. Countries and companies can compete in certain industries while maintaining partnerships in others, provided that competition takes place within a framework of clear rules and mutually beneficial engagement.
Yet economic cooperation is increasingly affected by the growing use of trade restrictions and export controls. Ding's call to refrain from excessive politicization of economic relations reflects Beijing's concern that national security considerations are being extended into areas of ordinary commercial activity. Restrictions on technology trade and investment risk disrupting supply chains, increasing costs and curbing opportunities for businesses on all sides.
Countries have legitimate interests in protecting national security and ensuring the resilience of critical industries. The challenge is to prevent these considerations from becoming a justification for broader protectionism or unnecessary barriers to international cooperation. Economic security and economic openness should not automatically be treated as competing objectives. A balanced approach would allow governments to address genuine security concerns while preserving the benefits of international trade and investment.
This is why dialogue remains essential. Calls for greater openness must be accompanied by transparency, predictable regulations and practical measures that address the concerns of businesses and trading partners. Equally, international partners should recognize that cooperation with China can contribute to global economic growth and should not be unnecessarily constrained by geopolitical rivalry. Maintaining channels of communication is particularly important when misperceptions and unilateral measures risk deepening economic divisions.
Ultimately, the CIIE reflects China's ambition to move beyond its traditional role as a global manufacturing center and consolidate its position as a major consumer market, investment destination and participant in international innovation. This transition could create opportunities not only for foreign companies seeking access to China but also for the wider global economy.
Since its first edition in 2018, the expo has established itself as an important platform for promoting trade, investment and international engagement. Its continued relevance lies in the message that economic cooperation remains possible and necessary, even in an increasingly fragmented world. The challenge ahead is to turn the promise of opening up into tangible market access, investment certainty and consumer benefits. At a time when geopolitical competition risks overshadowing shared economic interests, the CIIE offers a reminder that international trade should remain a bridge between markets rather than another arena of confrontation.
Matteo Giovannini is a Beijing-based cross-border investment specialist with more than a decade of experience in China and an AsiaGlobal Fellow at the University of Hong Kong.
