Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds a symposium with the 2025 Chinese Government Friendship Award winners and the representatives of foreign experts that work in China ahead of the Chinese New Year at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Feb 13, 2026. [Photo/Xinhua]

Premier Li Qiang reiterated China's commitment to opening-up to the outside world on Friday, highlighting that upholding openness and cooperation represents both the aspirations of humanity and the righteous path for the world.

Li made the remarks when meeting in Beijing with the 2025 Chinese Government Friendship Award winners and representatives of foreign experts who work in China ahead of the Chinese New Year, which falls on Tuesday.

Li extended New Year wishes and sincere greetings to the foreign experts, and thanked them for their long-term care and support for China's modernization efforts.

He listened carefully to the experts' opinions and suggestions on China's development and government work.

Experts from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Uganda, Bulgaria, Belarus, Germany and other countries made speeches on topics such as technological innovation, agricultural development, cultural exchange, talent cultivation and investment cooperation.

The premier emphasized that China is committed to its fundamental national policy of opening-up to the outside world, and keeps expanding international cooperation across various fields.

He expressed hope that foreign experts would continue to serve as vital bridges connecting China with the world and play a greater role in enhancing understanding and mutual trust and strengthening exchanges and mutual learning for mutually beneficial and win-win outcomes.

Li highlighted the significant spillover effects of the innovation achievements of foreign experts who are rooted in China, saying that what they accomplish benefits both China and the world.

He noted that the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China adopted the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), outlining a grand blueprint for China's development for the next five years.

He encouraged foreign experts to seize the opportunities, deepen their involvement, and work together towards a brighter future.

Li assured the foreign experts that they are cherished friends of the Chinese people and that the Chinese government is committed to creating a better environment for their work and life, strengthening policy support for them in fostering innovation, and improving services related to visas, social security, medical care, as well as education for their children.

Efforts will be made to ensure that international talent in China finds their work fulfilling, their lives comfortable, and their development promising, and allow them to reap the fruits of career success while feeling the warmth of a home away from home, he said.