Is there a future for cooperation with China?

By Shao Xia

As terms such as "decoupling" and "derisking" dominate headlines, prospects for cooperation with China appear uncertain. Yet, as the old saying goes, "Seeing is believing." It is worth looking beyond the noise to examine the facts firsthand.

A real engine of globalization

Globalization has hit a rough patch. Rising protectionism, unilateralism and geopolitical tensions have left many nations struggling. Yet in times of global turbulence, China has consistently acted as a major contributor to global growth.

China cushioned the world economy during the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the 2008 global financial crisis, among others. According to International Monetary Fund data, China has contributed around 30 percent of global growth in recent years.

This resilience does not come by accident. China understands that its development is deeply intertwined with the global system. It upholds the World Trade Organization-centered multilateral trading system, advocates fairer global governance and firmly opposes decoupling. While some countries prioritize short-term gains and use trade as leverage against others, China is committed to promoting interconnectivity among countries, because shared prosperity depends on open and reliable links.

A reliable partner, not a 'risky dependency' 

Some claim that "relying on China is risky." The reality on the ground tells a different story. China is the only country in the world with industries across all categories in the United Nations industrial classification, a testament to the underlying resilience and highly integrated structure of China's industrial ecosystem.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when global supply chains were grappling with substantial disruption, China's comprehensive industrial network ensured the steady supply of essential goods, from personal protective equipment to electronics.

China's industrial capacity has also become a force for global public good. China has built the world's largest and most integrated renewable energy manufacturing and supply chains. Over the past decade, this has helped reduce the global average levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for onshore wind power by over 60 percent and for solar photovoltaic (PV) power by more than 80 percent, fundamentally increasing the affordability and accessibility of clean energy worldwide. As Erik Solheim, former executive director of the UN Environment Program, observed, "There is no way that the world can go green without China."

The Belt and Road: Promoting connectivity, not a 'debt trap'

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is often criticized as a "debt trap." Nothing could be further from the truth. In Laos, the China-Laos Railway has cut travel time from days to hours and offered new market opportunities for local farmers. In Indonesia, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway has created many job opportunities while significantly reducing commuting time. In Duisburg, Germany, more than 110,000 China-Europe freight trains have revitalized this key logistics hub. These tangible outcomes demonstrate that BRI projects deliver real development benefits.

Today, more than 150 countries and 30 international organizations have signed cooperation agreements under the BRI framework, and China has concluded 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions. BRI participation has been growing because the initiative delivers tangible benefits, from railways and highways to trade links, institutionalized cooperation, and social programs in education, healthcare and disaster relief. The BRI represents a model of shared growth, rather than a zero-sum contest.

Investing in China: Gamble or strategic opportunity?

China's appeal as an investment destination lies not only in its market scale, a $6 trillion consumer market and $2.8 trillion imports this year, but also in its commitment to institutional opening up. The China International Import Expo (CIIE) has generated over $500 billion in intended deals since its inception in 2018. China has offered zero-tariff treatment to the least-developed countries and steadily loosened restrictions in the manufacturing, telecommunications and healthcare sectors.

Despite political headwinds, global businesses remain pragmatic. The Member Survey 2025 by the U.S.-China Business Council indicates that 91 percent of surveyed American companies still view their businesses in China as "important to enhancing their global competitiveness." Their decisions are guided not by political rhetoric, but by hard data on efficiency, innovation and consumer demand.

A trained eye spots real opportunities. For seasoned investors, investing in China is a strategic imperative. Partnering with one of the world's key growth engines is not a gamble, but a forward-looking choice.

Beyond headlines

In the first half of this year alone, over 38 million foreign visitors, including 5 million visa-free travelers, came to China. Many shared their observations on social media: bustling streets, friendly encounters and rapidly advancing technology. Some foreign influencers' live-streaming from China has drawn millions of views, offering global audiences an unfiltered perspective of modern China.

Beyond the headlines, a more vibrant, open and confident China has emerged. Walking along the streets, shops, factories and local communities provides a closer look than any report could capture.

So, is there a future for cooperation with China? Yes. Partnering with China means partnering with one of the world's main engines of growth. Ultimately, working together with China is not just about engaging with one country; it is about co-shaping the global future.

Shao Xia is a special commentator on international affairs for CGTN.