Editor's note: Lin G. is a CGTN economic commentator. The article reflects the author's opinion and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

In 2025, as the world grappled with geopolitical uncertainties and economic turbulence, China stood as an anchor of stability, unwavering in its commitment to institutionalized openness.

This is not simply about opening markets or lowering tariffs; it is about embracing a deeper, more systematic approach to global economic cooperation.

Over the past decade, China's approach has evolved from incremental, specific trade measures to a broader, rule-based strategy that aims to foster long-term stability – not just for itself, but for the global economy as a whole.

Institutionalized openness signifies China's dynamic role in shaping and redefining the global economic framework. The focus is no longer on trade diplomacy and opening markets; today, China is helping to establish predictable, transparent and mutually beneficial economic rules that encourage deeper cooperation among nations.

Visions such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the expansion of free trade zones (FTZs) and the full implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have become powerful vehicles for China's ambitious goal of turning institutionalized openness into a new model of global development.

This shift toward institutional openness is not just a reflection of domestic transformation; it is a direct response to the rising instability in global trade dynamics. As other regions step up protectionism, China's unwavering commitment to an open, rules-based economic system stands in stark contrast.

China has positioned itself as a "magnetic field" for global cooperation – fostering economic integration and providing the world with a predictable partner. At a time when globalization stands at a crossroads, its stability and commitment to openness has restored a clear path forward.

The Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) marks a monumental step in China's institutionalized openness. As the Chinese mainland’s first FTP, spanning an entire province and thereby offering a vast canvas for policy experimentation, Hainan serves as a testing ground for the most vigorous and innovative economic reforms.

The scope of this initiative is significant: Not only does it involve comprehensive liberalization across a wide range of industries, but it also enables the implementation of bold measures that would be difficult to apply nationwide in the early stages of reform.

The Hainan FTP is also about creating a comprehensive regulatory framework that fosters greater foreign participation. For example, the liberalization of the service sector has set a new standard for openness, which could be rolled out across China if the pilot proves successful. This policy experimentation in Hainan could reshape China's approach to global economic integration.

In parallel, the expansion of FTZs across the country has reinforced the commitment to an open, competitive and transparent market. What began with Shanghai's pilot program has now blossomed into a nationwide network that mirrors China's increasingly open economic structure.

Several newly established FTZs introduced even more innovative measures in 2025 that give foreign companies greater flexibility, contributing not just to domestic economic growth but to a more predictable, rule-based global economy.

While the Hainan FTP represents China's institutionalized openness within its territory, the BRI and the RCEP extend far beyond its borders to reshape the global economic landscape. These initiatives denote China's commitment to building a fair and open international economic order. By promoting collaborative and inclusive global governance, China seeks to promote a system where nations work together to define the rules and share the benefits of openness.

Historically, the United States has dominated the global economic order, but its recent pullback from several multilateral agreements has created a void. To address this, China has shouldered additional responsibilities.

Through the RCEP, China is harmonizing regulatory frameworks across the Asia-Pacific region, making trade smoother, more predictable and mutually beneficial. Similarly, the BRI extends this vision globally, promoting infrastructure connectivity, economic integration and long-term sustainable development for the participating countries.

In the context of globalization, the movement of economic factors – capital, technology and talent – across borders is essential for development. For many developing countries, improving their economic activities depends on access to advanced technologies and investments from more developed regions. Without these, modernizing industries and boosting productivity would be difficult.

Through its international partnerships, China is helping facilitate the flow of these resources, allowing these countries to tap into the necessary tools for growth, while also fostering greater economic ties that benefit all parties involved.

As 2025 draws to a close, China's progress in institutionalizing openness stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment to global economic integration. In a world where rising nationalism, trade wars and political instability are reshaping global dynamics, China's commitment to openness offers rare stability, providing the foundation for long-term investments, strategic partnerships and cooperative ventures.

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