Premier Li Qiang calls for a global pledge to open up, while ‘power politics’ runs rampant

2026.03.22 01:50 Chinese Premier Li Qiang is displayed on a large screen live broadcasting his speech at the opening of the China Development Forum 2026 held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on Sunday, March 22. Photo: AP Beijing has urged global commitment to opening up, while pledging to create more blue ocean markets in a world engulfed by protectionism. Delivering the opening address to the China Development Forum on Sunday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said, “protectionism is by no means a panacea for solving problems”, instead calling for opening up and technological progress to drive new market growth. “[Now,] power politics is running rampant, acting with impunity; at the same time, calls to uphold fairness and justice continue to grow louder,” Li said, without naming any specific countries. “These seemingly contradictory phenomena reflect, at a deeper level, clashes in ideas and perceptions. In particular, divergences in how we understand some fundamental issues will profoundly shape how countries and nations interact with one another.” Apple CEO Tim Cook, as a representative for foreign attendees, will also deliver a speech at the opening ceremony. The two-day annual gathering is a chance for foreign business leaders and China’s state officials to discuss China’s growth targets for 2026 and the next four years as listed in the government work report and the 15th five-year plan, which were released at the “two sessions” legislative and advisory meetings earlier this month. More to follow …

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