People visit the Smart Vehicle Chain area of the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, capital of China, July 19, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

As tariff tensions and geopolitical uncertainties continue to rattle the global economy, the 2025 China International Supply Chain Expo is emerging as a promising platform to foster resilient, diversified and cooperative global supply chains.

Running from Wednesday to Sunday in Beijing, the third edition of the supply chain-themed expo has drawn more than 600 exhibitors, notably those of carmakers, logistics providers and pharmaceutical firms, spanning 75 countries and regions.

Against the backdrop of mounting trade protectionism and rising global fragmentation, the event showcases China's bid to champion openness, innovation and international cooperation in the face of growing headwinds.

Platform for cooperation

The event comes at a time of heightened trade friction and mounting uncertainty, which is expected to weigh heavily on global economic activity. In its April forecast, the International Monetary Fund projected global growth to slow to 2.8 percent in 2025 and 3 percent in 2026, down from 3.3 percent for both years in its January outlook.

"Geopolitical tensions have disrupted supply chains, harming not only others but also one's own interests," said Xu Jiabin, an economics professor at Renmin University of China. "That's why we must adopt an inclusive mindset and work together to improve the global supply chain's connectivity and coordination. This is the path to mutual benefit."

As the world's first national-level platform focused on supply chains, the expo helps connect Chinese and international firms, promote technical alignment and support deeper economic cooperation, Zhou Xing, head of public affairs at PwC China, told Xinhua.

"The expo offers a high-efficiency matchmaking platform," she said. "It enables companies to align on technology, standards and markets, helping drive global collaboration."

For Chinese firms, the expo offers a window to expand their international footprint and connect directly with global supply chain nodes. For multinational firms, it provides an opportunity to gain access to China's vast market, comprehensive industrial ecosystem and strong policy support.

SIG Group, a Singapore-based accounting and tax firm, is participating in the expo for the second time. As a company dedicated to supporting Chinese enterprises in expanding into ASEAN markets, it engaged in in-depth exchanges with a wide range of partners at the event.

Edward Liu, a senior director at SIG Group said the event offers a valuable opportunity to enhance the firm's ability to serve its clients in the future.

China's commitment

China has consistently championed open, cooperative international trade as an anchor of stability, especially during times of worldwide economic volatility and geopolitical turbulence.

In a congratulatory letter sent to the 20th Western China International Fair in May, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China is willing to take the fair as an opportunity to further enhance mutual understanding, strengthen friendship, and deepen cooperation with friends from all countries.

China will uphold the multilateral trading system and ensure the stable and smooth flow of global industrial and supply chains together with the world, injecting new impetus into the prosperity and development of the world economy, Xi noted.

During a March meeting in Beijing with more than 40 global CEOs and business leaders, Xi said, "China has been and will remain an ideal, secure, and promising destination for foreign investors."

"Embracing China is embracing opportunities, believing in China is believing in a better tomorrow, and investing in China is investing in the future," he said.

The Chinese president called on foreign firms to safeguard the multilateral trading system, maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains, protect the international environment for openness and cooperation, and advance economic globalization in the right direction.

Confidence in China

China's economy beat expectations with robust 5.3 percent GDP growth in the first half of 2025 and is actively taking steps to maintain stability and sustain growth momentum in the months ahead. Such economic resilience has strengthened public and investor confidence in the country's long-term economic prospects, particularly its appeal as a strategic hub for multinational firms looking to restructure and diversify their supply chains.

"China is no longer just a manufacturing base, but an innovation hub," said Zhou. "By integrating digital tools and investing in strategic sectors like EVs, renewables and biotech, China is strengthening its position in global value chains."

This strategic pivot is already being recognized by global companies. "China has the world's most complete EV supply chain, with top-tier local suppliers and highly responsive manufacturing capabilities," a Tesla spokesperson told Xinhua.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang shared a similar view on Thursday, describing China's supply chain as a "miracle" and highlighting the country's deep capabilities in artificial intelligence and computer science.

As China continues to pursue high-quality opening-up, foreign firms are also gaining expanded access and greater policy support. "Foreign companies are expected to benefit from greater market access, a more level playing field and broader opportunities for cooperation," said Poh-Yian Koh, president of FedEx China.

FedEx applauds the Chinese government's ongoing efforts to optimize the business environment, and pledges to continue to strengthen its logistics network and digital capabilities to enhance connectivity between Chinese and global markets, she added.