Tomorrow, December 18, 2025, marks a big moment for the Chinese mainland’s southernmost island: the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) will officially roll out island-wide special customs operations. This move isn’t just a local milestone—it’s China’s bold answer to rising deglobalization trends.
Building Bridges in a Fragmented World 🌍
In November 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping stopped by Sanya to stress that the Hainan FTP should become “a key gateway driving the country’s opening-up in the new era.” With global trade facing new barriers—from post-pandemic supply-chain shockwaves to fresh tariffs—the FTP is set to keep the world connected, rather than locked out.
For decades, global economics have favoured a few at the centre, while many developing regions felt left out. Now, as some powers lean into “America First” policies and trade tensions rise, non-aligned players in the Global South are looking for new partners. The Hainan FTP’s island-wide customs ops shows the Chinese mainland choosing openness over walls—like setting up a high-speed bridge in a world of checkpoints.
From Factor Flow to Rule Alignment ⚙️
Shenzhen’s special economic zone, created over 40 years ago, turbo-charged the Chinese mainland’s industrial leap by letting capital, tech, and talent flow in. Today, Hainan’s FTP has a different mission: transforming services—from tourism and healthcare to finance—by setting clear, high-standard rules that global players can trust.
Services depend on shared norms—think data privacy, licensing, or quality checks—more than just cheap land or labour. The FTP’s new customs framework lays down those universal rules, aiming for a seamless service economy that matches global benchmarks. If it works, Hainan could become the go-to model for service-oriented opening-up in the Chinese mainland.
As tomorrow’s launch shows, even with headwinds against deglobalization, the Chinese mainland is betting on deeper integration. For entrepreneurs, investors, and travelers hungry for fresh opportunities, Hainan’s new customs regime promises smoother trade, clearer standards, and a front-row seat to the next chapter of global economic connection. 😊
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
