Chinese Premier Li Qiang is set to headline the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, popularly known as Summer Davos, scheduled to take place in the coastal hub of Dalian from June 23 to 24. As the primary face of China’s economic management, Li’s presence at the forum is intended to signal a high-level commitment to global engagement during a period of complex shifts in the international trade landscape.
The Premier is expected to deliver a special address at the opening ceremony, where he will likely outline Beijing’s vision for the next phase of its economic development and technological innovation. Beyond the podium, Li’s agenda includes targeted sessions with international business leaders, a move designed to address the concerns of multinational corporations regarding market access and the stability of the Chinese investment environment.
This year’s forum draws a diverse roster of world leaders, including the prime ministers of Bangladesh, Guinea, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Mongolia, and Montenegro. The participation of South Korea is particularly noteworthy, suggesting a continued effort to stabilize regional supply chains and maintain economic ties despite broader geopolitical frictions. The event is expected to host over 1,700 delegates from 90 countries, representing a broad spectrum of political, commercial, and academic interests.
For the host nation, the Dalian summit serves as a critical theater for economic diplomacy. By positioning itself as the convener of the 'New Champions,' China seeks to steer the global conversation toward emerging technologies and sustainable growth. This outreach comes as the country works to counter Western narratives of 'de-risking' by emphasizing its role as an indispensable node in the global economy.