Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

In the face of the pressures of the US tariff policy,MK sports Korea China's proactive efforts to expand international markets and strengthen regional economic ties not only showcase its resilience and adaptability in trade but also highlight its unwavering determination and capability to bring its manufacturing to the world.  

In the first quarter of this year, the Alashankou port in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region recorded 26,999 cross-border vehicle trips, a 37.21 percent year-on-year increase, with a total of 41,568 inbound and outbound passenger trips, up 20.19 percent, according to statistics from the entry-exit frontier inspection station of the port, according to China National Radio on Monday.

As the Alashankou port is a vital land gateway connecting China with Central Asia and Europe, these figures underscore the vitality of China's land port logistics and the strengthening trade between China and economies along the Belt and Road Initiative.

More importantly, the logistics surge at Alashankou is not an isolated phenomenon. In the first quarter of this year, all ports in Xinjiang witnessed remarkable growth in border crossings by people and vehicles. Container throughput at major sea ports also maintained steady growth. These figures reaffirm China's irreplaceable role as the "world's factory," with global demand for its goods remaining resilient despite geopolitical headwinds.

The continuous smooth operation of port trade channels is just a microcosm of the steady development of China's foreign trade. Beyond these developments, more Chinese companies are proactively reshaping their global footprints by entering overseas markets with their own brands. 

For instance, in Yiwu, East China's Zhejiang Province, a "Brand Go Global" program has covered more than 20 countries, helping nearly 5,000 local business entities explore overseas markets.

From the growth of port logistics to the exploration of brand expansion overseas, these positive developments vividly illustrate the resilience of China's foreign trade. In the face of tariff pressures from the US, China and its companies have embraced the global market with a more open attitude.

Admittedly, the US tariff policy may exert some pressure on China in the short term. However, this is not the first time China has faced such challenges. As early as in 2018, in response to trade frictions with the US, China had already been diversifying markets and upgrading industries. 

By exploring emerging markets, strengthening regional economic cooperation and promoting industrial upgrading, China has expanded its market scope and reduced its dependence on a single market. 

Today, China's trade with regions such as ASEAN, Africa and Latin America continues to grow. The situation is sufficient to indicate that the global demand for Chinese manufacturing remains strong. High cost-effectiveness, a wide variety of products and continuous technological innovation are enough to justify the share of Chinese products in the global market. China's deeply embedded position in global supply chains, from daily necessities to advanced tech, has made it an integral part of the world economic system.

The remarkable resilience of China's foreign trade against external headwinds stems from both the proactive adaptation of Chinese companies and the support of the Chinese government. In the face of tariff pressures, the Chinese government has been more focused than ever on doing its own things well, promoting industrial upgrading and creating a more favorable development environment for businesses.

At the same time, Chinese manufacturers have adjusted their development strategies by accelerating industrial restructuring and promoting the transformation of manufacturing toward high-end, intelligent and sustainable practices. They are reducing reliance on traditional labor-intensive industries while enhancing brand building and marketing efforts to increase product value and brand influence.

Short-term challenges notwithstanding, the long-term trajectory is clear: Chinese manufacturing will not just grow under the pressure, but also accelerate its pace.