International fairs put spotlight on need to work together for shared prosperity: China Daily editorial

Several key international economic and trade events being held this week serve to highlight China's commitment to high-standard opening-up.

The five-day 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services, or CIFTIS, which began in Beijing on Wednesday, followed the opening of the 26th China International Fair for Investment and Trade, or CIFIT, and the eighth Silk Road Maritime International Cooperation Forum in Xiamen, Fujian province, the previous day.

By organizing and hosting these practical platforms to promote innovation in the services trade, facilitate two-way investment and strengthen global supply chains, China has underscored its firm resolve to promote international economic and trade exchanges, covering investment, trade in goods and services, and global logistics.

China's choice of openness is in stark contrast to the rising protectionism and supply chain disruptions pursued by some other economies. Its commitment to openness is clearly reflected in the latest customs data released by the General Administration of Customs of China, which underscore the resilience of the country's foreign trade.

According to the official data, in the first eight months of this year, the trade in goods increased by 17.6 percent year-on-year, reaching 34.78 trillion yuan ($5.19 trillion). Trade with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations rose 20.6 percent year-on-year, while trade with Belt and Road partner countries and regions increased by 15.9 percent, reflecting the strategic diversification of markets.

A key to China's development success is its unwavering resolve to foster win-win cooperation. At the opening of CIFIT, Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng highlighted China's zero-tariff treatment for 63 countries, its removal of all foreign investment barriers in manufacturing and its gradual opening up of sectors such as telecommunications and healthcare. The country aims to further broaden its opening-up and facilitate inbound investment, he said, urging global businesses to seize the opportunities presented by China's huge market.

A significant challenge that the world faces today is the rise of protectionism and geopolitical risks, which disrupt global industry and supply chains. China emphasizes collaboration to maintain the stability and efficiency of these chains, given their essential role in the growth of all nations. Moreover, China is harnessing scientific and technological advancements to foster new quality productive forces and promoting industrial upgrading as a key driver of sustainable economic development.

As the focus of international investment and trade cooperation is increasingly shifting toward these areas, China is enhancing its international cooperation in science, technology and industrial innovation, which offers mutual benefits. It is prepared to collaborate with all like-minded parties to build and sustain an open global innovation ecosystem that fosters new growth drivers benefiting the entire world.

The economic and trade events that China has initiated not only invite global partners to share in the dividends of the country's development, but more importantly, they embody China's vision of an open world economy that creates win-win cooperation opportunities.

In today's deeply interconnected global economy, no country can achieve prosperity in isolation — a message clearly conveyed by the international fairs that bring nations together. By upholding a multilateral trading system and promoting inclusive and universally beneficial economic globalization, countries can create a rising tide on which all rise together.

It is imperative that countries abandon zero-sum thinking and work together to safeguard the security and stability of industry and supply chains. Such collective action forms the very foundation of a thriving global economy.

Fragmenting markets and erecting high barriers will ultimately undermine the shared interests of all economies. China is willing to work with all countries to expand shared benefits through win-win cooperation.