Xi Jinping Expected to Meet Select Business Leaders Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions
BEIJING (Reuters) – Dozens of global business leaders, including CEOs from major industries, will converge in Beijing this month for the China Development Forum (CDF) 2025. The highly anticipated event, scheduled for March 23-24, will take place at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, with discussions focused on China’s economic outlook, trade policies, and investment opportunities.
Sources indicate that President Xi Jinping is expected to meet a select group of foreign CEOs following the summit, underscoring China’s efforts to restore investor confidence amid rising geopolitical uncertainties and economic headwinds.
Who’s Attending the China Development Forum 2025?
According to a draft agenda seen by Reuters, the event will bring together top executives from various industries, including:
✔ Tech & AI: Qualcomm, McKinsey
✔ Finance & Banking: Deutsche Bank, Standard Chartered, Citadel, KPMG
✔ Healthcare: AstraZeneca, Nestlé
✔ Manufacturing & Engineering: Siemens, Rio Tinto
✔ Automotive: BMW, Mercedes-Benz
✔ Logistics & Energy: FedEx, Saudi Aramco
📌 A higher proportion of European CEOs are set to attend this year compared to previous forums.
📌 Major U.S. tech firms, including Google and Walmart, are absent from the draft agenda, possibly due to ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions.
📌 Chinese Premier Li Qiang is not expected to hold one-on-one meetings with foreign executives, marking a shift from previous years’ engagement strategies.
China’s Push to Attract Foreign Investment
🔹 Why It Matters:
China is desperately seeking foreign investment to offset economic challenges, including:
🔻 Declining Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Down 13.4% year-on-year in January 2025.
🔻 U.S. Trade Pressure: President Trump recently imposed 20% tariffs on Chinese exports.
🔻 Slowing Domestic Consumption: Policymakers are working to stimulate growth and consumer spending.
📊 Beijing’s Response:
- Investment-friendly policies to attract foreign capital
- Tax incentives & regulatory reforms to ease business operations
- Strategic meetings with global business leaders to maintain international confidence
💬 “Any trip to China by American CEOs would be very low-key given the current heightened scrutiny on U.S. investments in China from Washington,” said an industry source.
What’s at Stake for Global Businesses?
🔍 Key Themes to Watch at the Forum:
✔ U.S.-China Trade Policy: New tariffs and potential negotiations
✔ China’s Economic Growth Strategy: Measures to boost foreign investment and consumer demand
✔ Tech & AI Collaboration: The future of semiconductors, AI, and supply chain partnerships
✔ Energy & Sustainability: China’s efforts to meet carbon neutrality goals
📢 Industry Reactions:
- Mercedes-Benz confirmed CEO Ola Källenius will attend the forum.
- Micron and AMD executives are notably absent, despite participating in previous years.
Meanwhile, Chinese executives, including Wang Xingxing (CEO of Unitree Robotics) and Qu Fang (President of RedNote), will highlight China’s growing AI and tech innovation.
Looking Ahead: Will Beijing’s Efforts Pay Off?
🚀 China is at a critical crossroads as it tries to rebuild investor trust while managing global trade tensions. The outcomes of the China Development Forum 2025 could shape the next phase of international business relations.
🔮 Will foreign businesses double down on investments in China, or will trade disputes continue to dampen sentiment? Investors and policymakers will be watching closely.
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