Why China still anchors global supply chains

Editor's note: Amid rising protectionism and global supply chain disruptions, Li Xingqian, vice-chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, emphasizes China's vital role in global supply chains. In an in-depth conversation for Dialogues with Thinkers, China Daily's high-end interview program, he explains to China Daily's Yao Yuxin the vision behind the China International Supply Chain Expo — as a platform for rebuilding trust, resilience and inclusive growth. Following are excerpts from the interview.

Q1: Some foreign media portray the "China + 1" strategy as a tool for hedging against risks in China. What's your view on this? And what makes China irreplaceable in global supply chains?

A: Supply chains are reshaped by both economic and non-economic factors. For some foreign enterprises, the "China + 1" strategy refers to companies expanding production beyond China while maintaining operations in China. As a form of supply chain diversification, it is a natural outcome of market forces being at play.