# China Rejects Accusations of Economic Squeezing at Import Expo Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang defends Chinese competitiveness while addressing global trade imbalance concerns in Shanghai. - **Source:** [Hong Kong Free Press](https://hongkongfp.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-05 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d8a4a1f4-912d-4ac5-9075-02b8f719cae3 ## Official Rebuttal of Claims Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang officially dismissed allegations that China is intentionally squeezing out foreign economies. Speaking at the 9th China International Import Expo in Shanghai, he labeled these claims as completely unfounded. The event, which has been held annually since 2018, serves as a platform for Beijing to promote its market openness. ## Global Trade Tensions Persist The United States and European Union frequently accuse Beijing of flooding foreign markets with subsidized goods. These concerns are particularly focused on the vehicle and green technology sectors, which critics argue harm domestic companies. Despite these accusations, Beijing maintains that its trade surpluses are not the result of deliberate government policy. ## Defining Competitive Advantages Ding argued that the success of Chinese products stems from technological advantages rather than state subsidies. He highlighted sustained high levels of investment in research and development as the primary driver of market competitiveness. This statement directly contradicts long-standing Western assertions that industrial policy and state funding distort global market dynamics. ## Addressing Trade Imbalances Acknowledging that trade imbalances are a natural point of concern, Ding emphasized that Beijing never sought these surpluses. He suggested that the focus should shift toward achieving a balanced trade environment. The expo hosted over 4,000 foreign companies, reflecting a continued desire among international firms to expand their presence within China. ## Export Restrictions and Barriers The Vice Premier pointed to existing export restrictions as a major hurdle for balanced trade. He noted that China is often unable to purchase specific products due to limitations imposed by the United States. These restrictions, justified by Washington through national security concerns, complicate the broader economic relationship between the two nations. ## Market Access Challenges Beyond trade surpluses, foreign companies operating in China face significant operational hurdles. Businesses have frequently raised concerns regarding intense competition from local firms and complex regulatory environments. While Beijing promises to create favorable conditions for global businesses, these structural issues remain a point of friction for international investors seeking growth. ## Strategic Messaging Strategy Beijing is actively attempting to reshape its image from being merely the world's factory to a vast, accessible consumer market. By hosting the expo, the government aims to entice importers and demonstrate openness. This messaging is crucial as China navigates cooling relations with major Western economies over industrial policy disputes. ## Future Economic Outlook The ongoing friction between China and its Western trading partners highlights a deepening divide over industrial strategy. As Beijing continues to defend its economic model, the effectiveness of such expos in easing tensions remains uncertain. Observers will monitor whether these diplomatic efforts lead to tangible changes in market access or trade policies. ## Sources covering this story - https://hongkongfp.com/2026/11/05/china-dismisses-accusations-of-squeezing-out-other-economies/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._