By Hasan Muhammad

Editor's Note: The writer is a freelance columnist on international affairs based in Karachi, Pakistan. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of China Economic Net.

Since joining the WTO in 2001, China has woven itself intricately into the fabric of the global economy, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to collaborative growth. Its approach of opening up to mutual benefit has not only accelerated domestic progress but also injected fresh momentum into economic globalization. By fostering interconnectedness, China’s strategy has revitalized global trade, offering shared opportunities for development while adapting to shifting global dynamics.

China’s economic ascent is a story of transformation on a staggering scale. As the only nation boasting all industrial categories defined by the UN, China has established itself as the "world's factory," supplying affordable, high-quality goods to every corner of the globe. Yet, China’s economic clout isn’t confined to production - it also serves as an immense consumer market, with 1.4 billion people driving demand for global products.

In 2001, its trade volume was a modest $509.7 billion, or 4 percent of global trade. Fast forward to 2024, and that figure surged to $5.98 trillion, comprising 12.5 percent of global trade. Over the past seven years, China has consistently ranked first in global goods trade, partnering with over 150 nations. Its vast trade network and efficient supply chains underscore its indispensable role in the machinery of globalization, cementing China as both an economic engine and a partner on the world stage.

China’s remarkable rise is a testament to its deep integration into globalization’s currents - and its transformation is now a driving force behind those very currents. In 2001, China’s GDP was a modest $1.34 trillion, a mere 3.98 percent of the global total, ranking sixth worldwide. Back then, its economy was just 12.67 percent of the size of the United States. Fast forward to 2024 and China’s GDP soared to an impressive $18.41 trillion, representing 14 percent of the global economy and equaling 62 percent of the U.S. economy.

Moreover, China’s share of global economic growth leapt from under 10 percent in 2001 to an extraordinary 30 percent in 2024. Today, China is not just benefiting from globalization; it is propelling it forward, anchoring itself as the largest engine of economic progress on the world stage. Since joining the WTO, China has embraced global trends and pursued bold economic reforms, reshaping its economic landscape.

In an era where the winds of deglobalization and trade protectionism sweep across the globe, China stands as a counterforce, unwavering in its defense of trade liberalization. Rejecting the walls of tariff hikes and barriers, Beijing has doubled down on dialogue, engaging with the U.S. and the EU to dismantle protectionist measures. Simultaneously, it has lowered its tariff thresholds, extending zero-tariff treatment to all "least developed countries" maintaining diplomatic ties with China.

China’s decision to voluntarily reduce import tariffs multiple times has brought its average tariff level to 7.3 percent - on par with developed nations. This tangible commitment is not merely symbolic. It is a declaration that amid rising walls elsewhere, Beijing remains resolute in fostering global connectivity, advancing economic globalization, and ensuring that cooperation, not division, defines the international trade system of tomorrow.

China’s embrace of globalization isn’t confined to grand trade deals or top-level diplomacy; it has also leaned into local initiatives that quietly dismantle barriers and foster connectivity. A case in point: encouraging local governments to forge international "friendship city" partnerships with counterparts abroad. Through these ties, China nurtures bilateral trade, cultural exchange, and grassroots economic cooperation. Today, China boasts 3,064 such relationships spanning 147 nations across five continents - a vast network of local alliances fueling global interdependence.

These connections transcend official accords, enabling a tapestry of non-governmental exchanges. By building these bridges, China has laid the groundwork for a more interconnected world, reinforcing its commitment to economic globalization.