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Press Releases (Foreign Press Releases)

September 21, 2026

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The State Council Information Office of China and the
Permanent Mission of China to the WTO hosted a series of cultural events during the WTO
Public Forum 2026, with the China Intercontinental Communication Center serving as organizer.
Tsinghua University and Shanghai University of International Business and Economics (SUIBE)
hosted two policy seminars.

The forum, held September 15–17 under the theme “Powering the Future,” examined the role of
services in global trade. Its 113 sessions drew more than 4,600 participants from government,
business, international organizations, industry and academia.
The “Opportunity China: Exploring and Sharing the Future” Chinese Culture Series featured
performances, exhibitions and interactive experiences at WTO headquarters, bringing a cultural
dimension to discussions of global trade and economic governance.
The series opened with the “Melody of Harmony” performance and “Opportunity China”
reception on September 15. China’s Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the WTO Li
Yongjie and WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala delivered remarks.
Marking the 25th anniversary of China’s WTO accession, Li said: “As China has integrated more
deeply into the global economy, it has also created greater opportunities for the world.” She
expressed hope for an open, inclusive and resilient multilateral trading system.
Okonjo-Iweala described cultural exchange as “another aspect of trade and globalization,” citing
the Silk Road as an early example of the movement of goods and ideas. “Music and food have
always accompanied trade,” she said.

The evening’s program featured Peking Opera, traditional instrumental music, local opera, Kam
Grand Choir, and folk song and dance. Guests included WTO Secretariat officials,
representatives of WTO members’ permanent missions and forum participants.
The “Crafted Anew” exhibition paired Chinese cultural traditions with contemporary design.
Highlights included Palace Museum merchandise, Jingdezhen ceramics, opera traditions
associated with playwright Tang Xianzu, and silverwork and Miao embroidery products from
Guizhou. The exhibition also featured work by several brands specializing in China-chic design.
Virtual reality experiences explored the intersection of Chinese culture and modern technology.

On September 16, Tsinghua University convened “Coordination for Industrial Policy and Global
Trade Governance.” Participants discussed the effects of industrial policies and emerging global
challenges, calling for stronger international coordination and greater use of multilateral forums
to improve policy rules.

SUIBE’s September 17 seminar, “Regulatory Practices to Empower Services Trade for a Better
Life,” examined regulatory reform around the world. Participants shared examples from China
and discussed the country’s efforts to improve domestic regulation and expand access to its
services market.