Cover image: The closing meeting of the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
The 2025 Two Sessions, China’s annual legislative and political advisory meetings, have concluded, offering critical insights into the country’s policy priorities for the year ahead. For international B2B tech companies operating in or eyeing the Chinese market, this year’s sessions highlighted several key themes that could shape the business landscape in the coming years. As a leading communication agency, Influence Matters break down the key insights and to take into consideration when approaching communications in China this year.
Keywords for Key Policies
The 2025 Two Sessions reaffirmed China’s commitment to becoming a global leader in technology and innovation. With a record-breaking budget of over 1.2 trillion yuan allocated to science and technology (an 8.3% increase from last year), the government is doubling down on its efforts to reduce reliance on Western technologies and foster homegrown innovation.
Premier Li Qiang emphasized the integration of AI across industries, including manufacturing, smart vehicles, and consumer electronics. The success of AI-driven products like DeepSeek has already sparked renewed interest from foreign investors, signaling a ripe environment for AI-related collaborations. Additionally, the establishment of a state-backed venture capital fund aims to support technological breakthroughs, particularly in emerging industries like renewable energy, AI, and advanced manufacturing. Regional governments are also actively creating AI industry clusters, offering incentives for companies to set up R&D centers and collaborate with local partners.
In a bid to counter the recent decline in foreign direct investment (FDI), the Chinese government has rolled out a series of measures to attract and retain foreign businesses. The 2025 government work report explicitly mentioned “encouraging foreign investors to expand reinvestment” and “supporting participation in upstream and downstream industrial chains.”
The government plans to further open sectors like the internet, culture, and high-tech industries, providing foreign companies with more opportunities to enter and expand in the Chinese market. Enhanced services for foreign enterprises, including faster approvals for landmark projects and streamlined cross-border data flow processes, are also on the agenda. The “Invest in China” brand is being actively promoted, emphasizing the country’s robust supply chains, innovation capabilities, and vast consumer market.
The private sector continues to be a cornerstone of China’s economic growth, accounting for over 92% of all enterprises and a similar share of high-tech firms. The 2025 Two Sessions underscored the importance of supporting private businesses, particularly in driving innovation and high-quality development.
For international tech companies, this means significant collaboration opportunities, especially in sectors like semiconductors, AI, and renewable energy. Local governments are rolling out targeted incentives to attract foreign investment in key industries, such as integrated circuits and biotech.
To leverage the rise of China’s private economy, international tech companies should use storytelling to highlight successful collaborations with Chinese private firms, emphasizing mutual benefits and long-term commitment. Developing marketing campaigns that resonate with Chinese private enterprises, showcasing expertise and willingness to support their growth, will help build trust and strengthen partnerships. Engaging in policy discussions and advocating for measures that benefit both foreign and domestic businesses will further position your brand as a supporter of China’s private economy.
For China market communications, partnering with a China social media agency can help you craft campaigns that resonate with local audiences. Spokesperson training can also ensure your executives are well-prepared to communicate effectively with Chinese media and stakeholders.
While the Two Sessions painted an optimistic picture, challenges remain. The ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions and the sluggish domestic economy (with high unemployment and a struggling property market) could impact business operations.
However, the government’s focus on “high-quality development” and its commitment to stabilizing the economy through innovation and foreign investment suggest a resilient path forward.
To align with China’s innovation goals, international tech companies should focus on positioning themselves as key contributors to the local tech ecosystem. Not a new approach as Chinese business environments expected foreign companies to participate to China’s social harmony and development rather than “just do business”. The shift comes from China’s renewed ambition to develop global brands and products. Foreign B2B companies are expected to support that effort and help the Chinese economy and products shine beyond China’s borders.
Hyper-targeted communications focusing on the most relevant stakeholders, which at Influence Matters we frame into the “Golden Circles” of influence with solution->benefit communications demonstrating value for the future of the customers’ business as well as China’s global position.
These communication actions can take the form of briefings with the most relevant analysts and journalists, speaking engagements and presence at large and industry focused events, marketing actions with key industry associations and sales channels.
The 2025 Two Sessions have made it clear: China is open for business, especially in the tech sector. For international B2B tech companies, the key to success lies in aligning with national priorities, building local partnerships, and staying agile in a rapidly evolving market.
