Red Star News:

We have noticed that in recent years, there has been a growing number of trading partners for China. What changes and highlights have there been in this regard compared to last year? Thank you.

Wang Jun:

Thank you for your question. Last year, faced with an increasing number of external challenges, China's foreign trade enterprises proactively responded to, and steered changes, by consolidating traditional markets and exploring emerging ones. At the same time, the vast potential of China's enormous market continued to be unleashed, providing more opportunities for countries around the world. The diversification of China's foreign trade has become even more evident. Let me give you some details.

First, China's trading partners are all over the world. Last year, there were 249 countries and regions globally that engaged in trade with China. Among them, 14 had trade volumes exceeding one trillion, 62 exceeded 100 billion, and 137 exceeded 10 billion. Compared to 2024, these figures increased by 2, 6, and 10 respectively. In terms of the five continents, China has achieved growth in imports and exports with at least 60% of the countries and regions on each continent. In terms of single economies, last year, China's top ten trading partners accounted for 47.7% of the total foreign trade value, a decrease of two percentage points compared to 2024, indicating a reduced concentration and a more balanced distribution.

Second, trade achievements have promoted mutual benefits and win-win outcomes in multiple areas.

The Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area has been implemented, advancing regional economic integration into broader fields and deeper levels. Last year, China's imports and exports with ASEAN exceeded one trillion U.S. dollars. Meanwhile, trade with Central Asian countries surpassed 100 billion U.S. dollars, with more high-quality agricultural products from Central Asia entering the Chinese market.

China has thoroughly implemented the "Ten Partnership Actions" with African countries. Last year, the trade volume with Africa approached 2.5 trillion yuan, among which the export of goods from overseas contracted engineering projects to Africa rose by more than 40% due to close cooperation in overseas engineering projects.

Mutual complementary advantages have been transformed into shared interests. Over 50% of cosmetics and nearly 60% of automobiles in China are imported from Europe, while pharmaceutical products and industrial robots exported to Europe have maintained growth rates of more than 20%.

China and Latin American countries have forged close links in areas such as manufacturing and agricultural cooperation. Exports of agricultural machinery and construction machinery have maintained double-digit growth, setting a practical example for further South-South cooperation.

China has strengthened cooperation with countries such as Australia and New Zealand under frameworks like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which led to a 37.2% increase in imports of edible aquatic products and an 18.6% increase in imports of dairy products from the Oceanic region.

Overall, China has continued to expand global partnerships based on equality, openness, and cooperation, while deepening its integration into the global trade and development landscape. Trade with various continents presents a vivid picture of "each thrives in its own strength, and all flourish together in mutual prosperity". Thank you.