China’s Xi calls on top executives to help ‘uphold global order’ as trade tensions with U.S. rise

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with global executives on Friday, March 28, 2025, to discuss investment opportunities in China amidst escalating trade tensions with the U.S.

During the meeting, Xi emphasized the importance of multinational companies in upholding global order and working together with China. He reassured foreign businesses that China is a safe and stable environment for investment, stating that “to invest in China is to invest in tomorrow.”

Xi also announced plans to provide fair opportunities for foreign companies to participate in government procurement bids, aligning with recent policy changes aimed at promoting foreign investment in China.

The roundtable meeting was attended by over 40 foreign executives and business officials, including prominent figures like Ray Dalio from Bridgewater Associates, Bill Winters from Standard Chartered, and Steve Schwartzman from Blackstone Group.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China, with President Donald Trump imposing tariffs on Chinese goods and threatening further duties on major trading partners. Despite these challenges, Xi stressed the importance of resolving trade disputes through negotiations to ensure the stability of global supply chains.

In attendance at the meeting were top Chinese officials, including Politburo standing committee member Cai Qi, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Vice Premier He Lifeng, along with heads of China’s economic planning, finance, and commerce ministries.

The executives present at the meeting had existing interests in China, highlighting the country’s efforts to attract foreign investment and offset trade pressures. Notably, Apple CEO Tim Cook attended a state-backed annual conference in Beijing, while Tesla CEO Elon Musk was not present at the meeting with Xi.

The meeting with Xi came on the heels of a visit by U.S. Republican Senator Steve Daines to Beijing, marking the first visit by a U.S. politician to China since Trump’s latest term began. Daines expressed hope for a future meeting between Xi and Trump to address trade issues and promote cooperation between the two countries.

Overall, the meeting underscored China’s commitment to fostering a favorable business environment for foreign companies and addressing trade tensions through dialogue and cooperation. With both sides expressing a willingness to engage in negotiations, there is hope for a resolution to the ongoing trade disputes between the U.S. and China.