Beijing basketball tournament draws foreign firms and embassies

The opening ceremony of the Second "Friendship Cup" Sino-Foreign Government-Enterprise Basketball Invitational is held in Beijing, April 18, 2026. [Photo courtesy of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade]

Hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), the Second "Friendship Cup" Sino-Foreign Government-Enterprise Basketball Invitational opened in Beijing on April 18. Officials from CCPIT, the Chinese Basketball Association and the Dongcheng district government of Beijing, along with representatives of foreign-invested enterprises, attended the opening ceremony.

Ren Hongbin, chairman of CCPIT, said the invitational has become a vital platform for exchange and cooperation between Chinese and international government and business communities.

Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the Second "Friendship Cup" Sino-Foreign Government-Enterprise Basketball Invitational, Beijing, April 18, 2026. [Photo by Zhang Yuxin/China.org.cn]

"As China begins the first year of its 15th Five-Year Plan period, the government attaches great importance to the operation and development of foreign-funded enterprises in China," Ren said. "China will further step up efforts to attract and utilize foreign investment, continue to provide high-quality services and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of foreign businesses in China."

Michael Hart, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, welcomed the event's lively atmosphere, saying it was encouraging to see so many teams participating and emphasizing the importance of personal interaction.

The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) basketball team faces the NBA China basketball team in the opening game of the Second "Friendship Cup" Sino-Foreign Government-Enterprise Basketball Invitational, Beijing, April 18, 2026. [Photo by Chen Wanfang]

A total of 20 teams from foreign embassies, foreign enterprises, Chinese government departments and related institutions are taking part in the tournament.

Wu Qiong, vice president of Siemens Ltd. China and head of ecosystem and partnerships, said the values embodied in basketball — initiative, teamwork and respect for rules and competitors — align closely with China's pursuit of high-standard opening-up during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. She added that Siemens looks forward to further cooperation through the fourth China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), which will feature an artificial intelligence exhibition zone for the first time.

Zhang Qingxiu, corporate communications manager of Tencel Group China, said the company has maintained close cooperation with CCPIT through CISCE and looks forward to leveraging the platform to deepen its presence in China and strengthen supply chain cooperation.

Zhu Chenyang, assistant vice president of NBA China, said the tournament demonstrated how basketball can connect people and industries while creating opportunities for future cooperation.

The tournament runs from April 18 to May 17 in Beijing, with a sub-venue in Fujian province, bringing together participants through sports and cultural exchange to enhance friendship and deepen cooperation.

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Beijing basketball tournament draws foreign firms and embassies