Executives from several multinational corporations expressed confidence in China's shifting role from a manufacturing base to a platform for innovation and green growth, according to interviews published by China Daily on July 15, 2026, ahead of the release of the country's first-half economic data.

In the interviews, senior leaders from Everllence, Payoneer, Evonik, and AkzoNobel detailed recent investments and outlined their views on what they termed "China Opportunity 2.0"—a narrative that counters persistent "China Shock 2.0" concerns about supply chain disruptions and market risks.

Innovation and Integration

“China is no longer simply a market that global companies seek to enter; it is increasingly becoming a source of innovation and global growth,” said Cheng of Payoneer, a digital payments firm. He noted that Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises are building cross-border businesses, creating demand for global payment, compliance, and technology services. Payoneer has treated China as a strategic hub for product innovation and ecosystem development.

Evonik’s Xia pointed to several recently operationalized projects in China, including a hydrogen peroxide plant in Leshan, expansion of specialty amine production in Nanjing, an AEM technology center for green hydrogen, and a beauty science innovation center in Shanghai. “China encourages companies to become faster, more innovative, and more sustainable,” Xia said, adding that the country remains an important source of transformation for global businesses.

Green Investment and Policy Certainty

Prasannan of Everllence, a green solutions firm, highlighted China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30) as providing “rare policy certainty” for green innovation. Joint milestones cited include CMD’s record-setting methanol engine and a 2,000th dual-fuel engine order with COSCO Shipping Lines.

AkzoNobel’s Yin described China as both a core innovation hub and a critical engine for global growth. “Innovate in China, for China, share globally” is the company’s guiding tenet, with expanding R&D efforts addressing domestic needs while benefiting worldwide operations.

Broader Context

The positive assessments come amid ongoing debate over China’s economic trajectory, trade tensions, and geopolitical risks. While the executives emphasized opportunities, their remarks represent corporate perspectives and do not necessarily reflect broader macroeconomic conditions or potential regulatory challenges.

Analysts note that deepening local R&D and green investments align with China’s policy priorities, but multinationals still face headwinds including slower domestic demand and international trade restrictions.

Future Outlook

Continued investment in China’s green and digital sectors is expected, particularly in areas supported by the 15th Five-Year Plan. However, companies will likely balance their China strategies with diversification efforts to mitigate geopolitical and supply chain risks.

The full interviews are available in China Daily’s July 15 edition.