THE government said Friday that the world’s second-largest economy would look to open up wider access to its markets this year, amid growing trade tensions with the United States and foreign firms urging for more fair treatment.

Wang Yi, China’s minister of foreign affairs, wrote in an editorial in the China Daily newspaper that the country would loosen restrictions on trade and investment, and integrate more closely with global standards.

“We will get more in line with international economic and trade rules, significantly widen market access, open the services sector, especially the financial sector, wider, and create a more appealing investment environment,” he wrote.

The comments come amid simmering trade tensions with the United States, whose government has pushed back against what it regards as forced technology transfers to China.

Wang said that “China’s diplomacy will follow the guidance of Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era,” referring to Xi’s guiding political thought that has been added to the Party constitution.

China has been looking to cultivate its role on a global stage, especially amid a more domestically-focused U.S. agenda under President Trump, but tight controls on investment mean many still remain skeptical about pledges to open up access.(SD-Agencies)