International capital flowing to China as investors seek certainty during Iranian conflict

2026.03.22 08:50 The US-Israel war on Iran has resulted in international capital flowing to Hong Kong as China is considered a stable and certain option. Photo: SCMP Amid growing geopolitical turbulence, international capital is increasingly seeking certainty – which China offers – a leading Chinese government adviser highlighted on Sunday, as the country’s central bank governor reiterated commitment to rolling out the welcome mat for foreign investors. Speaking on the sidelines of the China Development Forum, Zheng Yongnian, dean of the school of public policy at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, noted that capital had been flowing to Hong Kong, China’s special administrative region, since the US-Israeli strikes against Iran. “Capital needs expectations,” he said. “If people don’t know when the [Iran] war will end and uncertainty continues to mount, while China becomes increasingly certain, capital will naturally flow in.” Pointing to the recent visits to China of European leaders, Zheng described them as significantly symbolic, adding that China must “maintain strategic composure in the face of profound changes”. He also called on China and the United States – which he called “de facto G2” – to deepen dialogue, not only regarding bilateral relations but also on broader global affairs. Pan Gongsheng, governor of the People’s Bank of China, told the forum that the country will steadily promote the “high-level opening up” of its financial sector, deepening the interconnectivity of financial markets and cross-border payment systems to smooth the path for global capital. “We welcome overseas investors to participate in China’s financial markets,” Pan said. He added that stable, rational and predictable cooperation was “particularly precious” in the current climate, warning that “trade fragmentation is undermining the foundations of free trade”. “We must more firmly oppose all forms of trade protectionism … and promote a universally beneficial and inclusive

原文链接: 南华早报