Opening up a new bridge between China and world By CUI WEIJIE | China Daily | Updated: 2025-12-18 07:15

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202512/18/WS694339b2a310d6866eb2f32b.html President Xi Jinping has made one point clear: China's opening-up is no longer about "catching up" — it is about leading. The launch of island-wide special customs operations on the Hainan Free Trade Port on Dec 18 is a vivid demonstration of that shift. At a time when the global landscape is shaped by uncertainty and geopolitical shocks, the move signals China's determination to push ahead with high-level opening-up and set a new benchmark for the country's next stage of modernization. Its impact will extend far beyond the island, shaping high-quality development during China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period and generating new momentum for global development.