Dialogue

From solar panels and new energy vehicles to robots and artificial intelligence, China is expanding its lead across a growing range of advanced manufacturing sectors. In the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the focus is on making manufacturing smarter, greener and more integrated. There is also intensifying tech rivalry with the United States, EU anti-subsidy measures and the global retreat toward protectionism. What's driving China's manufacturing upgrade and what does it mean for the world? How can China's emerging industries weather these shocks and where do foreign investors fit into this upgrade?

The Chinese economy continued to improve in the third quarter, with new growth drivers gaining momentum. As China enters its 15th Five-Year Plan period, what are the core economic issues ahead? Where will new growth come from? How can economies manage differences and expand cooperation in a world of rising protectionism and supply chain uncertainty?

Beijing's Swift Response to Public Complaint System built around the 12345 citizen hotline offers a window into China's evolving approach to urban governance. It turns everyday public concern into action and puts citizens' needs at the center of government decision-making. Seven years on, what lessons can other cities learn from Beijing's experience? How can governments become more responsive and efficient? How can big data and AI help them identify and address problems before they escalate?

The EU trade commissioner is in Beijing for the second China-EU trade and investment consultations. Meantime, the EU is considering a new trade tool modeled on the US section 301 system. China has called the plan unilateral and protectionist, and opened a new anti-dumping probe into European imports. Could this spark broader China-EU trade tensions? Can these ongoing talks ease the risks?

Surveys show foreign investors’ confidence in China is rising. China’s high-tech sectors attracted a record share of inbound FDI. China moved up two positions to 4th in Kearney’s 2026 FDI Confidence Index, remaining the top emerging market for the third year in a row. What is behind this rebound? And is investment in China shifting from cost-oriented to innovation-oriented?