China Jiang Xiaojuan pushes for fairer international trade, countering protectionism with expanded imports and global investments.
China is actively expanding its imports, encouraging outbound investments, and broadening institutional reforms in response to what it views as “unfounded” protectionist policies, aiming to foster a more equitable and globally beneficial trade environment. Jiang Xiaojuan, a leading economist and director of the academic advisory committee of the Chinese Public Administration Society (CPAS), articulated this stance.
Jiang, who also serves as a professor at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, emphasized China’s commitment to working collaboratively with other economies to develop a more accessible and fairer international trade and investment environment. The CPAS, operating under the supervision of the General Office of the State Council, provides advisory services on government management.
Jiang’s comments come in the context of ongoing trade tensions between China and the European Union, particularly regarding the issue of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). Recently, China appealed to the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the EU’s provisional tariffs on Chinese EV imports, which could rise to 37.6 percent. The EU imposed these tariffs in July, citing concerns over Chinese subsidies potentially disrupting the European market.
Jiang contested the EU’s claims, arguing that the accusations of Chinese subsidies disrupting international markets are both “unfounded and unreasonable,” noting that subsidies for Chinese EV buyers are now less substantial than those European consumers receive.
China Pushes for Fairer Trade Environment Amid Rising Global Tensions
In response to rising global competitiveness and geopolitical tensions, Jiang pointed out that China is taking substantial measures to mitigate these challenges. “China is actively expanding its imports and encouraging local companies to invest abroad, not only to enhance technological capabilities but also to create jobs in other countries,” she said.
While China faces additional tariffs from the EU, local governments in Chinese provinces such as Fujian and Jiangsu have included global EV leaders like Tesla in their procurement lists. Furthermore, China continues to host import expos and supports Chinese companies in establishing international operations to boost global trade and collaboration.
The resolution passed in July at the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China outlines plans for deeper reforms in inward and outward investment management alongside the steady expansion of institutional opening-up. This resolution underscores China’s intent to align its industrial practices with international standards, particularly concerning intellectual property rights and environmentally sustainable production.
Jiang stressed that the focus on national security does not equate to a push for domestic containment of all industrial chains. Instead, she highlighted that wider opening up is crucial for accelerating China’s technological and industrial development and reinforcing its national security.
“China is committed to promoting trade and globalization to benefit all parties involved. It is essential that measures taken by any country adhere to rational and rules-based principles,” Jiang concluded.
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