In the Driver’s Seat

China’s high-level opening-up policy continues to drive global prosperity and economic transformation. The policy has been reaffirmed in this year’s Report on the Work of the Government presented by Premier Li Qiang at the opening of the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing.

For over four decades, China’s reform and opening-up policies have not only reshaped its own economy, but also contributed significantly to global development, creating win-win opportunities for both China and the rest of the world. Currently, as the second-largest economy in the world, China has become the “world’s factory” while contributing to about one-third of global economic growth. China’s growth helped to revitalise the post-COVID-19 global economic recovery.

Moreover, China’s high-level opening-up policy is not just about economic growth. It is also about promoting institutional openness, global governance, and people-to-people exchanges, and fostering greater international cooperation.

Global impact

The high-level opening up under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping has transformed the world. This has been catalysed by the provision of global public goods such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilisation Initiative. Through these initiatives, China has spearheaded high-quality global infrastructure development, eliminated trade barriers, enhanced peace and security, and strengthened industrial supply chains.

Further, China has also become the leading trading partner of more than 140 countries and regions, ranking first in global exports and leading in foreign investment, while injecting fresh vitality into global economic development. Thus, as part of its high-level opening up, China has signed over 200 cooperation agreements with over 150 countries and more than 30 international organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme under the BRI.

During the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit, China granted zero-tariff treatment to 100 percent of product categories from the least-developed countries that have diplomatic relations with China, including 33 African nations. China is the first major developing country and global economic power to implement such a transformative opening-up measure. This move will give African countries better access to a market of more than 1.4 billion people.

In 2024, trade between China and Africa reached about $295.5 billion, marking a 6.1-percent increase from the previous year. This year, trade between the two sides is projected to increase exponentially due to the zero-tariff treatment. Overall, China is determined to bridge the trade deficit that has existed for a long time with Africa.

China’s economy has enjoyed spectacular growth for decades. However, like any other developing country, pressure to boost domestic demand is inevitable. China has also faced challenges related to the real estate market. However, the country knows how to overcome challenges. For instance, in the 1960s, despite facing severe drought and economic challenges, China demonstrated its commitment to international solidarity by assisting in the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway. This monumental project, completed in 1975, with commercial operations commencing in July 1976, showed that even in its most difficult moments, China did not embrace economic nationalism (internal circulation-driven economic models), but always advocated for international cooperation to enhance shared prosperity.

On the other hand, as an advocate of protectionism, the US has been at the forefront of curtailing China’s growth and development. US President Donald Trump has imposed significant tariffs on all imports from China.

However, despite the many challenges, China has not been swayed by external pressures. China remains a proponent of globalisation and open trade. This has prompted many countries, including those from Africa, to enhance trade with China. For example, as a show of confidence, 51 African heads of state and government, two presidential representatives, and the chairperson of the African Union Commission travelled to Beijing to attend the 2024 FOCAC.

Thus, Trump’s trade wars will not have an effect on the firm and all-weather strategic relations between China and Africa. Africa knows that, as a true friend, China has always stood shoulder to shoulder with it in the spirit of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith.

Moving forward

China’s high-level opening-up policy has played a transformative role in shaping the global economic landscape, fostering interconnectedness and promoting sustainable growth. Through its unilateral visa-free policy, China has facilitated international mobility, strengthening people-to-people exchanges and cross-border economic cooperation. Under the policy, nationals from about 38 countries can stay for up to 30 days per entry. This will allow foreign investors and tourists to visit China more freely.

As a key force behind economic globalisation, China has significantly contributed to global trade and investment. In Africa, Chinese enterprises are expanding investment in the continent’s trade supply chain, green industrial chain, modern services, medium- and high-tech manufacturing, information and communication, energy, and digital infrastructure. This will enable the continent to better utilise its mineral resources to advance its industrial growth.

Furthermore, China’s approach to global economic governance has introduced new dimensions to international cooperation, advocating for a fair and inclusive global trade system. By fostering open trade policies and engaging in multilateral economic partnerships, China continues to influence the direction of global governance frameworks, ensuring broader participation from developing economies.

China has also pushed for multilateralism. The expansion of BRICS and the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 show that China is also reshaping the global system and advancing the interests of the Global South. Further, through initiatives such as the BRI and the push to build a community with a shared future for mankind, China has promoted inclusive development and equitable economic opportunities worldwide.

Indeed, China’s high-level opening-up policy is not only driving its own economic success, but also shaping a more interconnected and prosperous world. By enhancing openness, inclusivity, and mutual growth, China remains a key player in fostering genuine modernisation.

The author is Executive Director of China-Africa Centre, Africa Policy Institute, Kenya.