Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Wednesday that state subsidies are not the reason for China's global competitiveness during the 17th [1] Annual Meeting of the New Champions.
The remarks come as China enters its 15th Five-Year Plan [2], a period critical for the nation to demonstrate economic stability and innovation to international investors.
Speaking at the opening plenary in Dalian, Li Qiang highlighted the vitality and integration of the Chinese economy. He addressed international concerns regarding the role of government funding in the country's technological rise. "China's competitiveness is not a result from state subsidies," Li said [3].
The meeting, often referred to as Summer Davos, serves as a platform for the World Economic Forum to discuss the future of global trade and industry. Li used the forum to showcase China's commitment to global integration, and the pursuit of high-quality growth.
The timing of the address coincides with the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan, which covers the period from 2026 to 2030 [2]. This strategic roadmap aims to guide the country's economic development and industrial policy over the next five years.
Li said that the country's progress is a result of hard work and a commitment to innovation. He emphasized that the economic characteristics of the current era require a focus on stability and openness to the world — a strategy he believes will sustain China's momentum through the end of the decade.
“"China's competitiveness is not a result from state subsidies."”
By explicitly denying the role of subsidies at a high-profile international forum, Li Qiang is attempting to pivot the narrative away from accusations of unfair trade practices. This messaging is designed to reassure global markets and trade partners as China implements its 15th Five-Year Plan, signaling that its economic growth is driven by sustainable innovation rather than artificial state support.
