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Representatives from more than 20 Asian countries convened in Hainan, China, for the Boao Forum this week, addressing global and regional economic objectives. During the event, Chinese official Zhao Leji expressed China's ambition to play a pivotal role in driving global economic recovery in 2024, and outlined plans to further open up Chinese markets to foreign investors and prioritize high-quality growth, with a particular focus on technological innovation.

Zhao, who serves as chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, also highlighted China's willingness to collaborate with other nations on technology and economic development.

The forum was the latest in efforts by Beijing to reassure foreign investors amid concerns about policies that have raised uncertainties regarding foreign businesses, geopolitical tensions, and economic recovery.

It also followed recent engagements between Xi Jinping and American CEOs on Wednesday in an attempt to boost confidence in China's economy. Participants included Blackstone founder Stephen Schwarzman, Bloomberg Chair Mark Carney, and FedEx President Rajesh Subramaniam. At the meeting, Xi emphasized that the economy was "healthy and sustainable," an achievement that "cannot be separated from international cooperation."

While some American analysts view the meeting as progress in the relationship, others have flagged the lack of diversity in gender, ethnicity, and age, and said the U.S. business leaders present didn't represent the true range of expertise or policy perspective on China in the U.S.

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