China is gearing up for the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee in Beijing this October. All eyes are on whether high-level opening-up will unlock a fresh wave of institutional dividends.
On July 15, 2025, Xi Jinping published an article in Qiushi magazine summarizing over a decade of his vision for opening-up. His renewed emphasis comes as global headwinds and domestic transitions converge: protectionist measures are rising, supply chains face disruption risks, and multilateral trade rules are under strain.
Despite remarkable progress – from tariff cuts to broader market access – challenges remain. China still seeks to build experience handling trade frictions, strengthen its international discourse power, and shape global economic rules more proactively.
Three Strategic Transitions
To overcome these hurdles, China aims to complete three strategic transitions:
- Shift from factor and goods-based opening to institutional opening
- Move from pre-establishment access to post-establishment alignment in rules, standards, and supervision
- Transform from passive rule-taker to proactive agenda-setter in multilateral frameworks
Institutional Opening as the Master Switch
Institutional opening is the key to breaking bottlenecks. Beyond expanding entries on a positive list, it requires a systematic overhaul in areas such as subsidies, competitive neutrality, government procurement, digital trade, and green standards. Aligning domestic systems with high-standard international rules will create a more predictable environment for global partners.
Testing Grounds: FTZs and Hainan Free Trade Port
Pilot free trade zones and the Hainan Free Trade Port act as stress-testing platforms for these reforms. With full customs closure set for December 18, 2025, Hainan is accelerating its zero tariffs, low tax rates, and simplified customs framework to pioneer the next chapter of China's opening-up.
For entrepreneurs, tech innovators, and travelers eyeing new horizons, these shifts promise fresh opportunities. As the Chinese mainland aligns closer with international standards, global citizens can expect a more open, sustainable, and dynamic landscape for trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
Reference(s):
Exploring pathways to break through toward high-level opening-up
cgtn.com
