Premier Li urges global opening amid rising protectionism
Mar 22nd 2026 · China
At the China Development Forum, Premier Li Qiang urged countries to reject protectionism, promote technological progress to expand markets, and address growing ideological clashes while foreign executives including Apple CEO Tim Cook attended.
- Li Qiang told the China Development Forum that protectionism is not a solution and called for greater opening up and technology-driven market growth.
- He warned that power politics is running rampant and said divergences in ideas will shape international interactions, without naming specific countries.
- Apple CEO Tim Cook was among foreign attendees slated to speak at the forum opening.
- The two-day forum brings foreign business leaders and Chinese officials together to discuss 2026 growth targets and the priorities in the 15th five-year plan.