Amid escalating trade disputes and disruptions in global supply chains, the annual Financial Forum Conference 2026 took place as scheduled. A poll conducted by CGTN among internet users worldwide showed that 82.98% of respondents believe that China's consistent hosting of the forum demonstrates its determination and confidence in deepening financial reforms, openness, and strengthening international financial exchange and cooperation. This forum also highlights China's efforts to resolve a key dilemma of global economic governance—how to balance security and efficiency.
Under the theme 'Openness, Cooperation, and Inclusivity: Building a New Global Financial Ecosystem,' over 400 participants from more than 40 countries and regions gathered this year. According to the poll results, about 85.25% of respondents believe that the forum serves as an important platform for stakeholders to exchange views on financial development, reach consensus, and deepen international financial interaction.
The forum covers important topics such as 'Economic Governance in the Age of AI' and 'Digital and Intelligent Transformation of Capital Markets Based on AI,' showcasing breakthroughs in the application of artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and other digital and intelligent technologies in the financial sector. In this context, 74.83% of those surveyed are confident that deeper integration of finance and digital technologies can enhance economic efficiency and improve the quality of financial services, while 80.86% believe that artificial intelligence has become a key factor changing the financial industry.
In recent years, China has accelerated its work to build a modern financial system with Chinese characteristics and improve the quality and effectiveness of financial services for the real economy. The poll revealed that 90.49% of respondents believe that better coordination in the financial sector supporting the real economy helps strengthen China's economic resilience and ensure long-term growth. Furthermore, 93.49% are confident that further development of fintech can accelerate the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements and stimulate industrial modernization.
As China develops in advanced manufacturing, the digital economy, and green industries, new industrial demands and investment opportunities are emerging. According to the survey, 89.23% of respondents believe that these trends offer global investors greater chances for long-term investments in China. From January to July 2026, cross-border inflows and payments in yuan exceeded 50 trillion yuan (approximately 7 trillion US dollars), and foreign entities held over 11 trillion yuan in financial assets in China. Overall, 85.92% of respondents believe that the growing use of the yuan in cross-border transactions reflects the continuously increasing international attractiveness of China's financial markets.
China is also working to strengthen international financial cooperation, including expanding cross-border investment and financial interaction with other countries through platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative. In the poll, 81.43% of respondents agreed that strengthening China's international financial cooperation helps expand financing channels for Global South countries and provide greater support for their economic development. Moreover, 84.49% believe that China's ongoing financial opening and efforts to promote international financial cooperation contribute to strengthening trust and supporting the stability of global financial markets.
The poll was conducted in the format of an open online vote on CGTN's English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian platforms. A total of 3630 participants took part in the voting and shared their opinions within 24 hours.