The world is experiencing one of the most critical junctures in its history, an international moment described by President Xi Jinping as witnessing "profound changes unseen in a century".

It is generally agreed that this is a transitional phase whose final contours are not yet clear, but it is fundamentally different from the international order that prevailed for decades after World War II.

Currently, the world is experiencing major shifts in the international system. Amid all this, China's commitment to "expanding high-standard opening-up" — as specified in the Government Work Report delivered by Premier Li Qiang on March 5 at the opening session of the annual meeting of the country's top legislature — is extremely important and will help shape the future of the world.

With protectionism on the rise, the global political order increasingly fragmented, and supply chains disrupted and restructured, China's growing openness stands out as a powerful counterpoint. While some other major economies move toward isolationism — tightening markets, downsizing technology and embracing economic nationalism — China is choosing greater engagement with the world.

China began its reform and opening-up in 1978, transforming from an agrarian economy into the world's second-largest economy and a leading industrial power. This was not accidental. It was the result of a deliberate initiative focused on attracting foreign investment, transferring technology, boosting exports and joining global governance institutions.

In doing so, China opened its markets and helped shape the rules of globalization, capturing the aspirations and attention of the developing world. China's policy of high-standard opening-up is not about sweeping liberalization of all sectors, but rather about targeted and comprehensive systemic reforms and transformations. It seeks to achieve more than simply attracting more foreign investment. It establishes a clear and streamlined regulatory environment, aligns laws with international best practices, and stimulates structural change in finance, intellectual property, the digital economy and the green economy. It aims to build an economy that is not only open but also attractive, reliable and stable in a volatile world. This benefits the entire world.

Numerous studies from international research institutions, such as the United States-based Brookings Institution and Council on Foreign Relations, and the British think tank Chatham House, argue that China's opening-up to the global economy since the decades of reform have not only contributed to the rise of the Chinese economy, but also played a significant role in expanding international trade and reshaping global supply chains. These studies suggest that continued openness, particularly through economic cooperation and infrastructure initiatives, can strengthen global economic integration and provide developing countries with greater opportunities to integrate into the international economy and achieve development.

One of the studies on China's role in the global economy, by the Brookings Institution, explores how China's trade and investment liberalization has reshaped global production chains and strengthened economic interdependence among international markets.

Brookings researchers point out that China's rise and integration into the global economy represent one of the most significant economic shifts in recent decades. China's trade and investment openness has broadened the scope of economic globalization, connecting markets in Asia, Africa and Europe through new production networks. Chinese manufacturing capabilities have also contributed to lowering global production costs and boosting international trade. Brookings argues that China's continued engagement in the global economy will remain a key factor in the stability of global supply chains.

Another study, by Chatham House, analyzes how the expansion of Chinese economic initiatives reflects a strategic direction to deepen global economic integration and enhance trade and infrastructure networks across continents.

Researchers at Chatham House argue that China's economic opening has transformed the nature of international economic relations, with Beijing becoming a major trading and investment partner for numerous countries.

Chatham House asserts that the expansion of Chinese economic initiatives, particularly cross-border infrastructure projects, reflects China's desire to enhance economic connectivity between continents. It also points out that this opening offers significant opportunities for developing countries to bolster their development, despite the accompanying challenges related to managing global economic balances.

While traditional free-trade advocates are becoming more insular — whether due to domestic political opposition or security concerns — China's openness is emerging to fill a growing void. Through initiatives such as the China International Import Expo and the Belt and Road Initiative, and China's participation in agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, Beijing is positioning itself as a champion of free trade in the Global South and worldwide.

In addition, China's openness policy increasingly incorporates sustainable development. It seeks to align trade and investment flows with carbon neutrality goals, green financial instruments and the transition to green technology. In doing so, China is not merely opening up its economy, but is redefining the concept of open and sustainable development for the 21st century.

In an era when global governance is on the defensive, China's determination to remain open carries symbolic weight. It refutes the claim that monetary integration is outdated or risky. It affirms that globalization, with all its flaws, is the optimal institution for achieving collective prosperity. It also demonstrates that openness is not a weakness, but rather a strength built on trust, resilience and forward thinking.

Ultimately, it remains crucial to acknowledge that in a world where many economies are hedging, decoupling or withdrawing, China's relentless pursuit of broad-based opening-up is both a pragmatic policy and a powerful diplomatic message. It signals that China will not wait for the tide of globalization to recede, but will act proactively. It demonstrates that this openness is not dictated by interests or ideologies, but is a principle that transcends geopolitical currents.

For multinational corporations, governments and developing countries seeking a reliable partner, China's strategy offers stability amid change. The journey will be challenging, but the path is clear. With its unwavering belief in an open global economy, China is not merely reacting to external changes, but shaping the future.

The author is an expert in international affairs and Middle East issues based in Cairo, Egypt.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.