China says its economic rise is creating opportunities for the world, rejects claims that its trade practices hurt other countries, and has called for diplomacy over sanctions as Beijing also leaves open the possibility of a meeting between President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the upcoming APEC summit.

China: ‘China Shock’ Narrative Does Not Reflect Reality

Responding to questions from China Daily about recent comments by economists including Harvard Kennedy School professor Dani Rodrik and Michael R. Strain, director of economic policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that an increasing number of international experts are challenging the so-called “China shock” and “China squeeze” narratives.

Lin said facts have demonstrated that China brings the world not “shocks” but opportunities, while its economic development does not “squeeze” other countries but helps enable their growth.

According to Lin, affordable and high-quality products manufactured in China have lowered the barriers to industrialization for developing countries. He also highlighted China’s role in supplying production machinery, components and intermediate goods to global markets.

China’s innovation and technology ecosystem was also highlighted. Lin said China’s open-source and broadly accessible innovation has allowed more countries to gain access to advanced technologies at affordable costs.

He further argued that China’s stable and reliable supply chains have strengthened the resilience of global industrial and supply networks while helping countries in the Global South accelerate their modernization efforts.

“China will continue to offer more dividends of its market, innovation and development to other countries through high-quality development,” Lin said, arguing that this would become increasingly important amid growing uncertainty and instability in the global economy.

China Rejects Trump’s ‘Economic D-Day’ Approach Toward Iran

The Chinese Foreign Ministry also responded to questions about U.S. President Donald Trump’s reported plans for what he has described as an “economic D-Day” against Iran, including potential pressure on countries that continue trading with Tehran.

Bloomberg specifically asked about the possible impact on China, given that China is a major buyer of Iranian oil, and whether Beijing viewed Trump’s approach as economic warfare.

Lin Jian rejected the use of sanctions and economic pressure as a solution to international disputes.

“Sanctions and pressure tactics are not the solution,” Lin said, calling on all parties to act responsibly and pursue a political and diplomatic approach.

China Declines Comment on Possible Trump-Kim Meeting

The Foreign Ministry was also asked about reports that Trump could meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year.

AFP referred to reports that Trump was considering a meeting with the North Korean leader during the APEC summit in November and asked China, as the potential host of the summit and a country with close ties to North Korea, for its position.

Lin Jian said he had no specific information regarding the reported meeting and declined to comment.

China Leaves Details of Xi-Lee Meeting Open

Meanwhile, Beijing indicated that discussions are continuing around possible high-level meetings during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, which China will host this year in Shenzhen.

Bloomberg asked about reports from the South Korean side that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had said China was actively considering a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of APEC.

Lin Jian did not directly confirm the reported meeting but said China is prepared to use the APEC summit to strengthen cooperation with all sides, including South Korea.

“As the host country of this year’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, China stands ready to take this opportunity to work with all sides, including the ROK, to build an Asia-Pacific community and inject new impetus for peace and development in the Asia Pacific and beyond,” Lin said.

On the specific details of a potential Xi-Lee meeting, Lin said China would release information at the appropriate time.

The latest comments highlight Beijing’s position on several major international issues, from global trade and technology to U.S. economic pressure on Iran, possible U.S.-North Korea diplomacy and regional cooperation ahead of the APEC summit.

Disclaimer: This article is based on statements attributed to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian and questions raised by international media. It presents the positions expressed by the respective parties and does not independently verify political or economic claims.