Reference News Network, October 17 report: Pakistan's Associated Press published an article titled "Driving Development: China's Foreign Trade Becomes the Pillar of the Global Economy" on October 15. Excerpts from the article are as follows:

In an era where the global trade system seems increasingly fragmented by tariffs and geopolitical pressures, China's foreign trade performance offers an exciting contrast. In the first nine months of this year, China's total import and export volume of goods reached 33.61 trillion yuan, an increase of 4% compared to the same period last year.

Despite renewed tensions in multiple relationships, especially between the United States and China, this figure has continued to grow steadily. As the data shows, the Chinese economy has not retreated into isolation. Instead, according to an article published by the European Committee for Standardization, China is shifting toward diversification and innovation, and building deeper relationships with emerging markets and high-tech sectors.

The growth trend of China's foreign trade highlights a broader narrative: the Chinese trade machine, once driven by low-cost manufacturing, is evolving into a more advanced engine, using structural reforms to withstand external shocks.

The core of this transformation is a conscious adjustment in the composition of exports. Traditional goods such as textiles and consumer electronics still hold significant importance, but high-value-added products are increasing. Industrial robots empowered by artificial intelligence technology exemplify this shift in focus. The export of these industrial robots increased by 54.9%, tapping into the global demand for automation in factories from Southeast Asia to Latin America.

This innovation-driven growth coincides with China's strategic expansion of its trade partner "circle of friends." Relying on any single market can make a country vulnerable to external influences, especially when some markets set up barriers. China's response is to strengthen connectivity through the Belt and Road Initiative. In the first nine months of this year, the trade volume between China and these partners increased by 6.2%, exceeding the overall trade growth rate.

The Belt and Road Initiative brings not only an increase in trade volume, but also vitality. In 2024, the trade volume between China and the countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative exceeded half of China's total trade volume for the first time. This milestone growth momentum continued into 2025.

The story of China's trade is one of adaptability rather than dominance. It brings mutual benefits, allowing developing countries to access affordable technology, thus accelerating their own industrialization processes. When tariffs cause supply chain disruptions, China emphasizes multilateralism through forums such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the World Trade Organization, providing a stabilizing force. The upgraded protocol of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 reflects this approach.

Looking ahead, China's foreign trade provides experience for a world at a crossroads. With expected global economic growth slowing down, a 4% growth demonstrates the resilience brought about by policy and vision. In addition to statistical growth, the surge in robot exports and the strengthening of the Belt and Road Initiative reflect connectivity and development of prosperity. (Translated by Hu Jing)

A car being prepared for shipment for export at the Longtan Port Area of the Jiangsu Port Group in Nanjing on October 4 (photo taken by drone). (Xinhua News Agency)

Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7562028000854688310/

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