A key Communist Party official in China, Zhao Leiji, recently underscored the significance of prioritizing green and high-tech development to spur the country’s economy, targeting approximately $1.4 trillion in annual revenue. Speaking at the Boao Forum for Asia, Zhao advocated for global collaboration to achieve modernization and stressed China’s commitment to green initiatives and combating climate change. The nation aims to peak its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Amid economic challenges and geopolitical tensions, Zhao highlighted the importance of multilateralism and positive Sino-U.S. relations for worldwide prosperity.

Parallelly, Chinese President Xi Jinping assured U.S. business leaders of China’s robust economic growth prospects, citing the government’s dedication to reforms and openness. At a meeting during the China Development Forum, attended by high-profile CEOs, Xi addressed foreign investor concerns amidst trading tensions and stressed China-U.S. cooperation in the global economic recovery. Despite this optimistic outlook, structural issues within China’s economy remain a challenge.

Moreover, at the Boao Forum, Zhao called on Asian nations to safeguard regional security and avoid becoming arenas for geopolitical conflicts, reflecting concerns over tensions in Taiwan and the South China Sea. Advocating against the Cold War mentality, Zhao promoted China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI) as a peace-centric framework, even as some critics question China’s conflict resolution record. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening free trade agreements and opposing trade protectionism, particularly with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, amid ongoing U.S.-China tensions affecting the regional security landscape and trade dynamics.