China becomes global hub for two-way investment

As global supply chains undergo transformation and investment patterns shift, China has taken on a dual role in the world economy — as both a magnet for foreign enterprises and an increasingly influential outbound investor, said experts and executives.

This signals not only continuity in the country's opening-up policy, but also a deeper transformation — that China is no longer just a participant in global growth, but is becoming a co-architect of it, they said.

What draws foreign companies today is not the promise of low costs, but the chance to innovate, to test ideas in a vast and demanding market, and to use China as a springboard into global competition.

"China remains the top target market for enterprises expanding their global trade layout, with 44 percent of global enterprises selecting China as their first choice for expansion," said David Liao, co-chief executive for Asia and the Middle East at HSBC.

Citing survey data, he added that 40 percent of global firms are either already increasing or planning to increase their manufacturing footprint in China over the next two years. "These findings highlight that China remains a hot spot for international investment and occupies a central position in the global trade landscape."

That reality is reflected in the way executives describe the market. Many call it a touchstone for development.

ABB CEO Morten Wierod said China is the cornerstone of ABB's business, with Xiamen, Fujian province becoming its largest global manufacturing base and innovation center.

The same pattern plays out in life sciences and healthcare. Anita Wei, vice-president of External Affairs at Danaher China, said her company's "Double Innovation Engine" strategy is built on deep localization.

"We aim to achieve 80 percent of sales revenue from localized production and 80 percent of raw material sourcing from the Chinese market," she explained. "This allows our research and development teams to respond directly to clinical needs in China and then promote those solutions globally."

Wei emphasized that the company's commitment is also about long-term trust. "China's continuous opening-up and improving business environment give us the confidence to keep investing. We are committed to building long-term, trusted partnerships that address global challenges together."