Chinese authorities have announced adjustments to the country’s trade and investment policy in response to rising global trade tensions. The Ministry of Commerce said that despite a more challenging international environment, foreign trade will remain one of the core pillars of China’s economic strategy in 2026.
Among the key priorities, Beijing pointed to diversifying export destinations and gradually reshaping the structure of exports. China aims to increase the share of services, digital trade and green trade – sectors seen as more resilient to economic volatility and political tensions. Officials stressed that the objective is to raise the value of exports, rather than focusing solely on volumes.
At the same time, China plans to further streamline its export control system and mechanisms for responding to trade disputes. According to the Ministry of Commerce, greater emphasis will be placed on risk management in foreign trade and on safeguarding the stability of supply chains, while maintaining an open approach to international economic exchange.
Selective opening to foreign capital
In the area of foreign investment, China signalled that it will continue with a policy of selective market opening. The goal is not only to sustain inflows of foreign capital, but also to attract investments with higher value added.
The ministry said it will further strengthen systems supporting and protecting foreign investors and continue efforts to promote China as an attractive destination for investment. At the same time, Beijing plans to tighten oversight of Chinese outbound investments, including closer scrutiny of how production and assets are allocated across global supply chains.
Beijing seeks dialogue with the EU via member states
These announcements come at a time when trade relations between China and the European Union remain strained and economic dialogue is advancing only selectively. In early January, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin visited Beijing, holding talks with China’s top leadership, including President Xi Jinping.
According to Dublin, the discussions covered EU–China relations and ways to strengthen trade dialogue in the context of Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Chinese side, for its part, said it viewed the visit as an opportunity to boost the economic relations with the EU.
A few days later, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen. Beijing underlined the importance of partnership as the foundation of its relationship with the EU and reiterated plans to further open China’s economy under the 15th Five-Year Plan. At the same time, China said it expected Finland, as an EU member state, to play an active role in dialogue with Brussels, including on economic issues.