China’s proactive role in stabilising global energy and fertiliser markets amid the Strait of Hormuz crisis shows the country is a defender of global supply chains, rather than a disruptive force as “hyped” by the West, Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang said on Monday.

“The fact that Chinese manufacturing never falters or fails at critical moments fully proves that China is a participant, a builder and a defender of the global supply chain,” Ding said during the opening ceremony of the fourth China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing.

Ding defended China’s manufacturing machine against accusations of overcapacity, rejecting what he described as a Western narrative used to justify protectionist measures.

The country’s industrial development was not the result of government protection and subsidies, he added, but stemmed from reform and opening up, a comprehensive industrial base and a vast market.

“China never actively pursues a trade surplus,” Ding said. “The greatest obstacle to China increasing its imports does not lie within itself, but rather with certain countries that abuse export controls.”

Beijing posted a record-breaking trade surplus of nearly US$1.2 trillion in 2025 – sparking alarm in Europe and elsewhere that local industry could be decimated. In the first five months of this year, the country’s trade surplus reached US$451.7 billion, according to customs data.