China's reforms will continue to deepen, embassy spokesman says

"Currently, the rise of unilateralism and protectionism, and certain countries pursuing decoupling and breaking supply chains have threatened global development," Bi said. "China advocates inclusive and beneficial economic globalization, continuously providing new opportunities for the world through China's new development. China's door of openness will only open wider and will never close."

China saw 26,870 new foreign-invested enterprises established in the first half of 2024, representing a 14.2 percent year-on-year growth, and the country attracted nearly 500 billion yuan ($68.72 billion) in foreign investment, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce in early July.

In the second half of this year, China will continue to host major trade fairs, including the China International Fair for Trade in Services, the China Digital Trade Expo, the China International Import Expo, and the China International Supply Chain Expo.

Bi said China's policy declarations and actions to proactively open its market align with high international trade and economic standards, and unwaveringly deepen reform and expand openness.

He highlighted that the economies of China and the UK are highly complementary, with broad cooperation potential in areas including new energy, electric vehicles, financial services, biopharmaceuticals, and creative industries.

"We are willing to share development opportunities with the UK and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in these areas," he said, adding that with the Labour Party forming the new government in the UK, he hoped there would be some more positive and significant engagements between the two nations.

Journalists from UK media, including Reuters, The Guardian, and Sky News as well as those from major Chinese media outlets attended the briefing.