China Giving MNCs Strategic Forte: Executives Highlight Evolving 'China Opportunity 2.0'

Ahead of the release of China's first-half 2026 economic data, China Daily invited chief executives and senior leaders from key multinational companies to share their perspectives on the world's second-largest economy. Their insights go beyond short-term growth, offering a closer look at the evolving 'China Opportunity 2.0' narrative amid ongoing debate over the so-called 'China Shock 2.0'.

Everllence: Green Innovation and Policy Certainty

From Everllence's perspective, China is a key market for green innovation, industrial-chain collaboration, and the global delivery of net-zero solutions. The company's representative, Prasannan, noted that China's policy direction, continued opening-up, vast maritime and industrial demand, mature manufacturing base, and deepening partnerships are sending strong positive signals. Despite delays in the IMO Net-Zero Framework review, China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) offers rare policy certainty. Joint milestones include CMD's record-setting methanol engine and the 2,000th dual-fuel engine order with COSCO Shipping Lines.

Payoneer: China as a Strategic Hub

The most visible change, according to Payoneer's Cheng, is that China is no longer simply a market to enter but is becoming a source of innovation and global growth. With millions of the world's most active cross-border sellers, Chinese SMEs are moving beyond product exports to building businesses across multiple markets, creating new demand for global payments, compliance, technology, and professional services. For Payoneer, China has become a strategic hub for product innovation, service development, and ecosystem building.

Evonik: Integrated Innovation Platform

Evonik's Xia emphasized that China is no longer just a large end-market or manufacturing base; it is an integrated platform where innovation, infrastructure, talent, and industrial ecosystems converge. In the first half of 2026, Evonik brought several important projects into operation in China, including a new hydrogen peroxide plant in Sichuan, expansion of specialty amine production in Nanjing, its first AEM technology center for green hydrogen, and the Asia Beauty Science & Innovation Center in Shanghai. These projects reflect confidence in China's market potential and its role as a source of innovation.

AkzoNobel: Core Innovation Hub

With a full spectrum of application scenarios, China's vast market serves as a natural testbed and incubator for technological innovation, said Yin of AkzoNobel. The company follows the tenet 'Innovate in China, for China, share globally,' expanding its local R&D footprint to address domestic market needs while benefiting global businesses. China stands as a core innovation hub and a critical engine powering AkzoNobel's global growth.

These executive perspectives underline that China is creating new opportunities for global businesses rather than posing a shock, as multinationals deepen their commitment through investment and innovation.