Chinese President Xi Jinping urged global business leaders to resist protectionism and highlighted China as a trustworthy partner amidst escalating US tariffs. Without directly naming any nation, Xi criticized nations that are raising tariff barriers and politicizing business issues, emphasizing the need to counteract regressive rules and zero-sum games.

Xi's comments come as the trade war intensifies, prompting threats of retaliation from the EU and other allies. By advocating for a transparent and consistent policy environment, Xi aims to attract foreign investors amid slowing economic growth. He assured business leaders of improved market access and efforts to address their operating challenges in China, positioning the country as an attractive investment destination.

Unlike the previous year, Xi's meeting with corporate executives saw a significant rise in attendance, showcasing his goal of reaching a broader audience across various sectors. He emphasized the importance of fostering closer ties with businesses, with executives praising China for offering certainty and investment opportunities. The event aimed to strengthen relations between China and these prominent companies, underlining Xi's personal engagement with them even before assuming China's leadership role.