China hosts top US and global CEOs ahead of 2026 economic forum

High-level meetings between Chinese officials and global business leaders have taken place in Beijing ahead of the China Development Forum 2026. Senior executives from multinational firms discussed trade, investment, and cooperation with government representatives. The talks signalled ongoing engagement despite limited public details on broader corporate participation.

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao held separate discussions with two major US corporate leaders. He met with Apple CEO Tim Cook to explore China-US trade relations and Apple's continued operations in the country. Wang also spoke with David A. Ricks, chairman and CEO of Eli Lilly and Company, focusing on bilateral economic ties and the pharmaceutical firm's business in China.

Elsewhere, Vice Commerce Minister Ling Ji engaged with Omar Al Futtaim, CEO of Al-Futtaim Group, to review potential business collaborations. The meetings followed a broader session where He, a member of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, hosted executives from various multinational corporations. During the talks, company leaders reiterated their confidence in China's economic trajectory. They also pledged to deepen their investments and expand their market presence in the coming years. Officials, in turn, reaffirmed China's commitment to high-level economic openness under the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30), citing steady progress in the country's development. No official records have emerged of other foreign CEOs or executives from large multinational firms meeting with high-ranking Chinese officials during the forum's preparations. The available details did not specify additional sectors or companies involved in the discussions.

The meetings underscore continued dialogue between China and international businesses ahead of the 2026 forum. Executives have confirmed plans to increase their investments, while Chinese officials have highlighted economic stability and openness. Further details on broader corporate participation remain undisclosed for now.