Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet CEOs of global companies. It is interpreted that China, which is facing a tariff attack from the U.S. government, is trying to strengthen relations with foreign companies to make a breakthrough.

Reuters reported on the 27th, citing two well-informed sources, that President Xi will meet with CEOs of global companies in Beijing on the 28th. Sources said CEOs of German automakers BMW, Mercedes-Benz and U.S. chipmaker Qualcomm are included in the list of attendees.

"China is still the largest market for German carmakers such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz," Reuters said. "As U.S. President Donald Trump officially imposes 25% tariffs on foreign cars from the 3rd of next month, the meeting with President Xi could have more significant implications."

At this meeting, President Xi is expected to emphasize China's willingness to open up to the outside world. At the China Development Forum (CDF) held in Beijing from the 23rd to the 24th, Prime Minister Li Chang said, "We will help foreign-invested companies deeply integrate into the Chinese market."

During the forum, executives such as Apple, Pfizer, and Mastercard met with officials from China's Ministry of Commerce. Apple CEO Tim Cook met with Deputy Prime Minister of the State Council Hu Jeng and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.

Earlier on the 14th, the Financial Times (FT) reported that President Xi plans to meet with about 20 CEOs of global companies participating in the China Development Forum on the 28th. President Xi also met with CEOs of U.S. companies who participated in the China Development Forum two days later last year (March 24-25). At the time, President Xi issued a message saying, "We will provide a wider space for development (opportunities) to companies in each country, including the United States," and began to attract direct investment.

[Reporter Kim Deoksik]