China's top legislator calls for staying the course, jointly creating a better future at Boao forum

China's top legislator Zhao Leji on Thursday called for staying the course and jointly creating a better future at the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026.

Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, made the remarks in a keynote speech at the plenary of the annual conference, which drew more than 1,600 participants from over 60 countries and regions.

Noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the BFA, Zhao said the forum has grown into a shining example in promoting exchanges and mutual learning, solidarity and coordination, and common development among countries in Asia and the wider world.

"Only by forging ahead with concerted efforts can humanity address global risks and challenges to create a better future," he said.

Zhao called for rejecting conflict and confrontation, and building a better future of peace and tranquility. Efforts should also be made to reject isolation and exclusion, and build a better future of win-win cooperation.

He also stressed the importance of rejecting hegemonic and bullying practices and building a better future of fairness and justice, as well as avoiding suspicion and distrust and building a better future of mutual respect and trust.

In his speech, Zhao underscored China's unwavering goal to grow its economy and improve people's livelihoods, and in that process, promote the common development of all countries.

Highlighting the recent approval of the outline of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), Zhao pledged that the country will promote high-quality development, further expand high-standard opening up, and share opportunities with the rest of the world.

According to the top legislator, China will continue to expand domestic demand and share the dividends of its supersized market, and stay committed to innovation-driven development and continue to generate growth momentum.

"Companies all over the world are welcome to commit to the Chinese market and gain a competitive edge in global competition," he told the plenary.

China will also stay committed to free trade and continue to deepen cooperation with other countries, and adhere to all-round law-based governance and keep improving its business environment, according to Zhao.

"China will always provide a fertile ground for foreign investors and businesses," he said.

As China prepares to host the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen this November, Zhao said the country stands ready to join hands with all sides to build an Asia-Pacific community and boost the vitality and momentum of Asia-Pacific development.

Founded in 2001, the BFA is a non-governmental and non-profit international organization committed to promoting regional economic integration and bringing Asian countries closer to their development goals.

Running from March 24 to 27, this year's conference is themed "Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation."