Chinese Premier Li Qiang attends the opening ceremony of the China Development Forum 2026 and delivers a keynote speech, in Beijing, capital of China, March 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has stressed creating new market opportunities through openness and technological progress, and upholding global market order through healthy and fair competition.

He also said high-quality development and stable economic growth of China will continue to provide development opportunities for the world.

Li made the remarks while delivering a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the China Development Forum 2026 in Beijing on Sunday, saying the world is undergoing profound and complex changes, with multiple trends coexisting, intertwining, and colliding.

Unilateralism and protectionism are running rampant, while forces advocating cooperation and promoting development continue to grow stronger; economic growth in traditional sectors faces difficulties, while development in emerging fields is gaining momentum; the international rules-based order suffers severe damage and disruption, while many countries actively advance reforms and improvements to global governance; power politics prevails with arbitrary and reckless conduct, while calls for upholding fairness and justice grow ever louder, Li said.

The premier shared with the attendees his key observations.

First, the market has become a scarce resource, yet it can be continuously expanded, he said.

History shows that every time the global economy emerged from hardship and moved toward prosperity, it was not through competing over existing markets, but by creating new ones through openness and technological progress, Li said.

"Protectionism is no panacea," he said. "We must uphold the spirit of openness and pioneering endeavor, expand free trade, and actively foster innovation."

He said China's imports and exports constitute fair trade conducted within the rules-based framework. China will unswervingly advance high-standard opening up, import more high-quality goods from abroad, work with all parties to promote optimized and balanced trade development, and jointly expand the global economic pie.

Second, development inevitably involves competition, yet healthy competition and cooperation can yield mutual benefits and win-win outcomes, he said.

"Only by embracing competition with a positive mindset and advancing cooperation through pragmatic actions can we empower one another and draw on respective strengths," Li said.

He stressed that the competitive advantages of China's relevant industries are not derived from subsidies or protection, but stem from persistent deepening of reform, steadfast implementation of innovation-driven development, and, most importantly, the diligence and hard work of the Chinese people and Chinese enterprises.

"We oppose disorderly and irrational competition. Under market economy conditions, however, healthy competition unleashes greater impetus for development," he said.

China will continue to safeguard a fair and orderly market environment, strengthen communication and collaboration with all parties, and jointly promote the stability and security of global industrial and supply chains, he added.

Third, although the path ahead remains challenging, a brighter future is increasingly within reach, Li said, stressing the need for maintaining confidence, shouldering responsibilities, and taking concrete actions.

The outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development serves not only as a new blueprint for China's development but also as a new opportunity for global progress, he said.

China will focus on promoting high-quality development, strive to sustain stable economic growth, continue to foster a sound business environment, fully implement national treatment for foreign-funded enterprises, and enable businesses from all countries to operate in China with confidence and realize their full potential, he said.

The opening ceremony was attended by about 750 representatives from industrial and business communities at home and abroad. The forum is hosted by the Development Research Center of the State Council.