China calls for global business to ‘resist protectionism’ as American executives gather in Beijing

China is prepared for “possible unexpected shocks,” Premier Li Qiang told a gathering of global executives in Beijing, where he urged them to “resist protectionism” and defend globalization.

China is prepared for “possible unexpected shocks,” Premier Li Qiang told a gathering of global executives in Beijing, where he urged them to “resist protectionism” and defend globalization. CEOs including Apple’s Tim Cook, FedEx’s Raj Subramaniam and Pfizer’s Albert Bourla gathered in the Chinese capital over the weekend for a two-day forum that comes as US President Donald Trump has ratcheted up trade pressure on China in a bid to rebalance what he sees as an unfair relationship. Li warned that “decoupling and breaking supply chains would only deepen crises,” while pledging to further expand market access in various sectors for foreign investors. “If the world returns to the law of the jungle, it will be a step backward in history and a tragedy for humanity,” he said on Sunday during an opening address at the annual gathering. “We have prepared for possible unexpected shocks, which, of course, mainly come from external sources. Where necessary, the Chinese government will introduce new policies to ensure the smooth operation of the Chinese economy.” The stakes are high for Li’s pitch message, which comes as China seeks to project confidence – and reverse plummeting foreign investment – in its slowing economy at a time when Beijing and the US-China business community are braced for the impact of Trump’s tariffs, which could escalate next month.