“In a way, this was also transferring overcapacity by Western definition. The opening up of the Chinese market has undoubtedly played a supporting role in rebalancing the world economy,“ Huo said.

　　Noting that courageously opening the market and bringing in competition is one of the effective ways to stimulate the strength and resilience of an economy, Huo said China has leveraged opening up to advance reform, and the high-level opening up is key for the country to participate in international competition.

　　Despite the hesitation over import competition in some Western countries, free trade remains a viable catalyst for economic growth. It promotes the efficiency of resource allocation, allowing countries to allocate resources according to their comparative advantages and improving the overall efficiency of the world economy, Tian said.

　　He also stressed the importance of free trade in enhancing consumer welfare by increasing the variety of goods and services, lowering prices, and fostering the spread of technology and innovation -- factors especially crucial for developing countries.

　　Free trade also promotes connectivity of global supply chains, ensuring the smooth operation of supply chains and increasing the efficiency of global production, Tian added.

　　This aerial photo taken on Sept. 10, 2023 shows a view of Zhangjiang area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

　　“There are scholars who regard China's efforts to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership as its another push after the WTO entry to get aligned with the world's high-standard open economic system,“ Huo said.