Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday reaffirmed China's commitment to level the playing field for businesses under all forms of ownership, saying that the country will only become more and more open.

In a speech delivered at the Seventh China-Japan-ROK Business Summit in Chengdu, Li said protectionism will not be an option for China despite its trade deficit with the two countries.

The country will make unwavering efforts to expand opening-up and develop a business environment that is in line with market principles, the rule of law and international standards, he said.

He welcomes businesses from the two countries, taking advantage of geographic proximity to China, to seize chances from expanded opening-up and win more business opportunities.