International scholars and strategic thinkers gathered in Beijing for the Mingde Strategic Dialogue 2026 to discuss the opportunities created by China’s economic development and its potential contribution to global growth.
The six-day event, hosted by Renmin University of China, was themed “Resilience and Vitality: New Opportunities China’s Development Brings to the World.” Participants visited cities including Xinyu in Jiangxi Province and Wenzhou in Zhejiang Province before concluding discussions in Beijing on China’s economic resilience, innovation capabilities and future cooperation opportunities.
At the closing forum, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jennifer Shipley said China’s economic momentum has played a significant role in global growth over the past two decades. She noted that in an increasingly uncertain global environment, countries are seeking stable foundations and opportunities for shared prosperity, and China has made an important contribution in this regard.
During her visit to Wenzhou, Shipley highlighted China’s large consumer market and expanding middle-income population as important opportunities for industrial development and international trade. She rejected the idea that China’s growth potential has reached its peak, pointing to rapid progress in sectors such as electric vehicles and robotics as examples of continued innovation.
Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome emphasized China’s contribution to making renewable energy technologies more accessible and affordable, describing clean energy development as a shared opportunity for building a more sustainable future.
Experts also highlighted China’s advances in emerging technologies. John Ross, former director of economic and business policy for the Mayor of London and a senior researcher at Renmin University of China, said China’s open-source artificial intelligence models could help improve access to AI technologies, particularly in developing regions.
For many participants, visits beyond major cities provided a deeper understanding of China’s industrial capabilities. After visiting manufacturing facilities, steel companies and lithium mining operations, experts said they were impressed by China’s progress in artificial intelligence, automation, infrastructure, batteries and renewable energy.
Glenn Diesen, professor at the University of South-Eastern Norway, said China’s achievements in these areas demonstrated the scale of technological and industrial transformation taking place. Former UK Parliament member George Galloway also highlighted his experience visiting a steel factory in Jiangxi, where he observed advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Several participants noted that China’s development experience has attracted attention from developing countries. Richard Caplan, professor of international relations at the University of Oxford, said many countries, particularly in Africa, are interested in studying China’s approach and adapting relevant experiences to their own development needs.
Radhika Desai, professor of political studies at the University of Manitoba in Canada, pointed to the importance of long-term planning and strategic coordination as lessons that other economies could consider, including those with strong private sectors.
Looking ahead, participants stressed that cooperation will remain important in addressing global economic challenges. Diesen said cooperation between European and Chinese companies could help address challenges related to industrial competitiveness, the automotive sector and technological development.
For Ethiopia, Mulatu said deeper cooperation with Chinese enterprises in areas including mining, agriculture, manufacturing and infrastructure could create further development opportunities. He also noted that China’s trade policies toward eligible African countries could help expand export opportunities.
The dialogue highlighted growing international interest in China’s economic transformation and the potential for broader cooperation in areas including technology, sustainability, trade and industrial development.
