In a series of interviews ahead of China's first-half 2026 economic data release, top executives from multinational corporations highlighted how the country is reshaping its economic landscape, offering new opportunities rather than posing a threat.

Everllence's Green Innovation Drive

Prasannan, a representative from Everllence, emphasized China's role as a key market for green innovation and net-zero solutions. Despite delays in IMO regulations, China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) provides policy certainty. Notable milestones include CMD's methanol engine and the company's 2,000th dual-fuel engine order with COSCO Shipping Lines.

Payoneer: China as an Innovation Source

Cheng from Payoneer noted that China is no longer just a market to enter but a source of innovation. Chinese SMEs are building multi-market businesses, creating demand for global payments and services. Payoneer views China as a strategic hub for product development and ecosystem growth.

Evonik's Local Investments

Xia of Evonik pointed to China's integrated platform of innovation and infrastructure. Evonik recently started operations at a hydrogen peroxide plant in Sichuan, expanded specialty amine production in Nanjing, established an AEM technology center for green hydrogen, and opened an Asia Beauty Science & Innovation Center in Shanghai.

AkzoNobel's R&D Commitment

Yin from AkzoNobel highlighted China's vast market as a testbed for innovation. The company follows a principle of 'Innovate in China, for China, share globally,' expanding local R&D to serve both domestic and global needs.

These perspectives underscore a shift from the 'China Shock 2.0' narrative to a 'China Opportunity 2.0' reality, where multinationals see China as a strategic forte for growth and collaboration.