Illustration: Liu Rui/GT

When the second phase of the 138th Canton Fair opened on Thursday, preparations for the upcoming 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) were already well underway, with shipments from around the world arriving for the exhibition. The close timing of these two flagship trade events highlights the dual nature of China's engagement with the global economy - its sustained role as a significant exporter and its growing importance as a consumer market. 

Together, the Canton Fair and the CIIE place both Chinese manufacturing and the Chinese market firmly in the global spotlight, emphasizing the complementary strengths that continue to underpin China's trade.

Their timing comes at a delicate moment for global trade. Some major economies are tightening trade policies and adopting protectionist measures that disrupt long-established supply chains. In this context, the near-simultaneous staging of the Canton Fair and the CIIE provides a clear perspective on the dynamism of China's external trade. These events illustrate an economy that demonstrates the resilience of both selling to the world and buying from it, while steadily expanding its openness to the world.

An example from history helps illustrate the different but complementary roles of the two exhibitions. Founded in 1957, the Canton Fair quickly became an important channel for Chinese exporters. In 2007, it added an import section, providing a new platform for foreign businesses to explore opportunities in the China market. Meanwhile, the CIIE, launched in 2018, is primarily oriented toward imports. Together, the two fairs reflect the dual facets of China's external trade - exports and imports - underscoring the country's role as both a global supplier and an important consumer market.

Amid a complex external environment, China's exports are supported by its manufacturing capabilities, while its imports draw strength from the domestic market. The development of both Chinese manufacturing and consumer demand underpins the resilience of China's trade - like two legs supporting the economy, each reinforcing the other to ensure steady and sustainable growth.

The second phase of the 138th Canton Fair brought together more than 10,000 exhibitors, including a significant number of high-tech or green manufacturing companies. Despite persistent external uncertainties, China's exports of high-value products - from green technologies to electronics - have continued to grow, underscoring the increasing sophistication and capabilities of Chinese manufacturing.

Behind shipments leaving Chinese ports lies a well-developed ecosystem of advanced industrial capacity, integrated supply chains, and continuous innovation. China's transition toward high-end manufacturing has strengthened the resilience and confidence of its exporters, while also contributing to global trade by delivering both quality and cost competitiveness.

At the same time, China's efforts to promote imports highlight another key strength: its vast domestic market. Events like the CIIE provide global suppliers with access to a highly dynamic consumer base, offering opportunities to expand and diversify their sales.

The potential of the Chinese market remains considerable. Rising household incomes, an expanding middle class, and growing demand for high-quality goods are prompting international companies to deepen their presence and tailor their products to Chinese consumers.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, in the first three quarters, the national per-capita disposable income was 32,509 yuan ($4,564), up 5.2 percent year-on-year in real terms. This growth highlights the rising purchasing power of Chinese households and the market's capacity to absorb a wide range of imported goods.

Amid a complex global trade environment, the vibrancy and potential of China's domestic market provide both confidence and flexibility for the country's broader economic and trade landscape. By supporting imports while sustaining steady domestic demand, China not only reinforces its own economic resilience but also creates new opportunities for global businesses, further deepening integration with the international economy.

In a world where some countries are adopting unilateral and protectionist measures that strain global supply chains, China has continued to champion openness and strengthen international collaboration. Platforms such as the Canton Fair further facilitate exports of high-quality Chinese products to global markets, while the CIIE expands the channels through which international goods reach Chinese consumers. Together, these efforts provide a comprehensive picture of China's external trade.

This dual approach - linking exports with imports, and manufacturing with consumption - anchors the resilience of China's trade amid external pressures. At the same time, it offers a stabilizing influence on a global economy facing heightened uncertainty, highlighting the dynamics of mutually beneficial engagement between China and the rest of the world.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. bizopinion@globaltimes.com.cn