This pressing question took centre stage at the latest edition of our China Finance Forum. Featuring high-profile speakers, the event provided expert analysis of China’s political and economic trajectory, as well as the evolution of its financial markets.
Rorry Daniels, Managing Director of the Asia Society Policy Institute, addressed the implications of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s strategy to prioritise security over growth, further consolidating one-party control over the state and market. “China is no longer seen as the engine of globalisation but as a geostrategic rival and potential adversary,” Daniels remarked, while questioning the future of U.S.-China relations and reflecting on the legacy of Donald Trump’s trade strategy and tariffs.
Jinny Yan, Chief China Economist at ICBC Standard Bank, emphasised the shift in China’s economic priorities. “China is now focusing on quality rather than quantity,” she explained. “Investment will shift from infrastructure to new technologies and innovation. This requires both investors and commercial partners.” Despite geopolitical challenges, Yan underlined that China’s outreach to emerging markets is key to its next phase of growth.
From a financial market perspective, Jeffrey Guo, Managing Director of Guotai Junan Securities, highlighted the country’s progress toward greater openness for international investors. “Chinese capital markets have dramatically transformed from being relatively closed to becoming one of the most dynamic markets in the world. This openness has fostered trust,” he stated, pointing to the potential for long-term investment opportunities.
Offering a pragmatic view, Himalee Bahl, Investment Director at Fidelity International, expressed optimism despite persistent challenges in China’s real estate sector. “China is scaling up in the technology sectors, and what’s most interesting is that this scaling is being achieved at a moderate cost,” she noted. While acknowledging the sector’s difficulties, Bahl added, “if you take the time to dig deeper, there are still very attractive investment opportunities in this sector.”
Beyond investment opportunities, the China Finance Forum also tackled critical topics such as the evolution of sustainable finance. Notably, discussions included EU-China collaboration on a common taxonomy and advances in payment technologies, which were explored in an engaging interview with David Messenger, CEO of Global Business at PingPong, a leading Chinese payments company.
Watch the replay here.