Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the meetings between South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide is to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in economic and technological cooperation [1][2] - The meeting took place in Nara Prefecture, which is significant as it is Suga's hometown, highlighting a strategic move to showcase closeness with South Korea and avoid political isolation [1] - There is a focus on South Korea potentially joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which could enhance trade diversification and strengthen supply chains, although domestic resistance in South Korea regarding Japanese agricultural imports poses a challenge [1] Group 2 - After the meeting, both leaders emphasized the importance of cooperation between South Korea and Japan, as well as trilateral cooperation with the United States [2] - There was a notable difference in their statements, with Lee mentioning the need for cooperation among South Korea, China, and Japan, while Suga did not address this aspect, focusing solely on South Korea-Japan and South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation [2]

Core Viewpoint - The commentary from The Wall Street Journal suggests that Hainan's customs closure represents a "Miami moment" for China, indicating a symbolic move towards greater openness with 6,600 tax items at zero tariffs and exemptions for processing and value-added goods, providing a low-cost entry point for global companies into the Chinese market. However, it is characterized as "selective openness," embedding China's standards into global trade rather than genuinely integrating into the Western-led free market system [3][5]. Group 1 - Hainan offers a low-cost platform for global trade with China but embeds Chinese standards, which diverges from the current global free market system [5][9]. - The Wall Street Journal's assertion that Hainan's customs closure is not a true "Miami moment" reflects skepticism about its potential to transform China's trade landscape [3][6]. - The Chinese government is using Hainan as a testing ground to gradually integrate into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), indicating a strategic approach to reform [6][9]. Group 2 - Hainan's new labor union regulations are similar to those in mainland China, with unions under the leadership of the Communist Party, which the Wall Street Journal views as a fundamental difference from independent labor organizations in Western countries [9]. - Key areas such as cross-border data flow, intellectual property protection, and state-owned enterprise subsidies in Hainan do not align with CPTPP standards, indicating limitations in its openness [9][10]. - As of October 2025, the cross-border settlement scale of Hainan's EF account is projected to reach 268.9 billion yuan, with cross-border financing accounting for 22%, suggesting a stronger-than-expected push for openness [11]. Group 3 - The significance of Hainan's customs closure in the context of globalization is limited, as the core of globalization is about rule restructuring rather than merely zero tariffs [14]. - The zero-tariff and low-tax policies in Hainan are expected to have profound impacts on both domestic capital and international trade dynamics, potentially leading to increased regulatory measures to prevent Hainan from becoming a tax haven [14]. - The long-term viability of Hainan as a policy pilot zone depends on the gradual extension of its policies; without broader implementation, it risks becoming isolated [14].

Core Insights - The Hainan Free Trade Port officially commenced its closure operation on December 18, 2023, marking a significant transformation in China's economic landscape and showcasing the country's commitment to high-level openness [1][2] Group 1: Economic Impact - In the first week of operation, Hainan Customs supervised over 400 million yuan worth of "zero tariff" imports and over 20 million yuan of domestic processing goods exempt from tariffs [1] - Hainan saw the addition of 1,972 foreign trade registered enterprises, a year-on-year increase of 230% [1] Group 2: Institutional Reform - The concept of institutional openness focuses on internationalization and legalization of rules, regulations, management, and standards, moving beyond traditional policy incentives [4][5] - The core of institutional openness is to establish a stable, transparent, and predictable system to attract global high-end resources [5] Group 3: Global Trade Dynamics - Hainan's closure operation serves as a "pressure test" for China's high-level openness and aims to counteract rising global protectionism and unilateralism [2] - The initiative is designed to align with international high-standard trade rules, enhancing China's participation in global competition and cooperation [2] Group 4: Regional Cooperation - Hainan is positioned to implement "unilateral openness" towards ASEAN, offering lower tariffs or zero tariffs on goods and higher levels of service trade openness [3] - The region aims to enhance economic resilience and upgrade the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area through proactive regional cooperation [3] Group 5: Future Development Potential - The "zero tariff, low tax rate" policies combined with Hainan's geographical and ecological advantages are expected to drive growth in green low-carbon industries, digital economy, and high-end tourism [8][9] - Hainan is anticipated to attract foreign investment by reducing the negative list and allowing foreign control in sectors like healthcare and education [9] Group 6: Legal and Regulatory Framework - The Hainan Free Trade Port Law grants significant legislative power to ensure policy stability and predictability post-closure, focusing on the development of local regulations in trade, investment, finance, and ecology [6][7] - Key tasks include establishing an international commercial court and a diversified dispute resolution mechanism to enhance legal frameworks [6]

Core Viewpoint - The official launch of Hainan's full island closure operation on December 18, 2025, symbolizes a significant step in China's reform and opening-up strategy, aligning with historical milestones in the country's economic transformation [1][12]. Group 1: Understanding "Closure" as Higher-Level Openness - "Closure" is a customs regulatory term, not a literal island lockdown, allowing for smooth international trade while maintaining some controls on domestic markets [4][5]. - The policy framework includes "one line open, two lines controlled, and free movement within the island," facilitating easier international connections and zero tariffs on most imports [4][6]. - Hainan aims to create a "borderless" open environment, enhancing institutional openness rather than imposing physical restrictions on people [5][12]. Group 2: Economic Opportunities and Trade Benefits - The first week of the closure operation saw a 54.9% year-on-year increase in duty-free shopping, amounting to 1.1 billion yuan [8]. - The closure operation allows businesses to defer taxes on goods until they are sold in the mainland, significantly reducing operational risks and capital requirements [8][9]. - Hainan's service trade has been growing at an annual rate of 21% from 2018 to 2024, indicating a strong potential for further development in sectors like finance and professional services [9]. Group 3: Strategic Positioning and Future Challenges - Hainan is positioned as a pilot zone for national strategies, with the first negative list for service trade implemented there, enhancing its role in the RCEP market [6][12]. - The region faces challenges in market equality and capital market issues, which need to be addressed to fully realize its potential as a reform and opening-up experiment [13][14]. - Hainan's strategic location within the RCEP provides opportunities for enhanced trade and investment, particularly in the context of rising regional economic cooperation [14].

Core Insights - Hainan Free Trade Port officially commenced its closure operation on December 18, 2023, marking a significant transformation in institutional restructuring, industrial upgrading, and improvement of people's livelihoods [1] - The first week of closure saw the release of policy dividends, with over 400 million yuan in "zero tariff" imports and 20 million yuan in value-added goods exempt from tariffs [1] - The establishment of a stable, transparent, and predictable institutional system is crucial for attracting global high-end resources [4] Group 1: Institutional Opening - The concept of institutional opening focuses on the internationalization and legalization of rules, regulations, management, and standards, moving beyond traditional policy incentives and tariff reductions [2][3] - Hainan aims to implement "five conveniences and one flow" to enhance trade and investment freedom, including zero tariffs and a regulatory model of "one line open, one line controlled" [3][6] - The core barriers to institutional opening include balancing efficiency and cost in regulatory frameworks, managing financial openness while preventing systemic risks, and coordinating social management with increased foreign personnel [6] Group 2: Global Trade Dynamics - Hainan's closure operation serves as a "pressure test" for China's high-level opening, demonstrating the country's commitment to global competition and cooperation amid rising protectionism and unilateralism [2] - The Free Trade Port is positioned to lead "unilateral opening" towards ASEAN, implementing more open policies in trade, services, investment, and personnel exchanges compared to mainland China [3][5] - Hainan's practices will provide valuable experience for China in participating in global trade rule reconstruction, particularly in aligning with high-standard agreements like CPTPP [5] Group 3: Economic Development Potential - The combination of "zero tariffs and low tax rates" with Hainan's geographical and ecological advantages is expected to create new development momentum in sectors like green economy, digital economy, and high-end tourism [7] - Hainan is anticipated to attract foreign investment by further reducing the negative list and allowing foreign control in sectors such as healthcare and education [8] - The region aims to establish a differentiated collaborative mechanism with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, focusing on institutional opening and regional cooperation [8]

Core Insights - The article highlights the expertise of Zhao Jinping, a prominent economist and former director of the Foreign Economic Research Department of the State Council Development Research Center, focusing on international economics and institutional openness [1][3]. Group 1: Research Focus - The research direction includes macroeconomics, foreign economic policy, cross-border investment, and innovative institutional integration in free trade zones, particularly in Hainan [3]. - Recent work emphasizes the alignment of RCEP rules, the establishment of digital bonded zones, and the "dual headquarters" model, proposing a systematic plan of "opening up the first line while effectively managing the second line" [3]. Group 2: Policy Contributions - Zhao has led significant national social science fund projects and authored over 30 publications, including "Utilizing Foreign Capital and China's Economic Growth," receiving prestigious awards for his contributions [4]. - He has been involved in drafting key government documents and designing national foreign investment negative lists, as well as the "zero tariff" list for Hainan, providing operational templates for smart regulation and pressure testing [4]. Group 3: Suitable Event Types - The article lists suitable events for Zhao's participation, including forums on free trade zones, service trade, and RCEP and CPTPP alignment, as well as strategic annual meetings for multinational companies [5]. Group 4: Core Speaking Themes - Key themes for Zhao's speeches include global supply chain restructuring, digital bonded zones as innovative examples of cross-border data flow, and practical guidelines for "zero tariffs + low tax rates" under customs operations [6]. - Other themes include optimizing regional layouts for Chinese enterprises under RCEP and CPTPP, and testing pressures and risk prevention in new high grounds of institutional openness [6]. Group 5: Authority and Services - The organization, Wuzhou Mingjia Think Tank, is recognized for its authoritative global connections, including endorsements from Nobel laureates and collaboration with international diplomats [8][9]. - It provides a comprehensive range of high-end event services, facilitating international economic and trade exchanges, and supporting the integration of China's economy and technology [10].

海南自由贸易港12月18日正式启动全岛封关运作，这是中国扩大高水平对外开放的重要举措。 封关 后，海南将实施"一线放开、二线管住、岛内自由"的监管模式，旨在打造引领新时代对外开放的重要门 户。 "一线"放开后，海南自贸港"零关税"商品税目达到约6600个，比例由21%提高至74%，享惠主体范围也 大幅拓宽。有进口需求的企业，12月18日即可通过海南国际贸易"单一窗口"正式上线的"零关税"申报等 专属功能板块，自主申报。 中国世界贸易组织研究会副会长霍建国在接受21世纪经济报道专访时指出，"十五五"规划建议明确 将"高标准建设海南自由贸易港"作为推动制度型开放和自主开放的核心内容之一。自2018年提出、2019 年形成建设方案以来，海南自贸港历经数年推进，此次全岛封关运作标志着我国高水平开放进入新阶 段，以实际行动印证"中国开放的大门只会越开越大"。 霍建国表示，当前全球贸易环境复杂多变，保护主义抬头，国际贸易体系面临冲击。在此背景下，海南 自贸港对标国际最高开放标准，积极探索高水平开放路径，不仅是中国支持多边贸易体系和自由贸易的 具体体现，也对我国参与国际竞争、优化营商环境、吸引外资、支撑经济发展具有重大意义 ...

Core Insights - The launch of the Hainan Free Trade Port's full island closure operation marks a new phase in China's highest level of openness and is expected to serve as a key platform for regional cooperation [1][2] Group 1: Strategic Significance of Hainan Free Trade Port - The full closure operation is a critical measure for promoting high-level openness in rules, regulations, management, and standards, highlighting the strategic value of institutional openness [2][4] - Hainan Free Trade Port's uniqueness lies in its systematic design and breakthroughs at the institutional level, supported by separate legislation and a comprehensive open policy framework [2][5] - The port aims to actively align with international high-standard economic and trade rules, serving as a "testbed" for institutional openness and upgrading China's openness paradigm [4][6] Group 2: Cooperation with ASEAN - Hainan and ASEAN can focus on building a "ASEAN-Hainan-Mainland" high-end processing value chain, creating an internal circulation model of "ASEAN raw materials + Mainland intermediate goods + Hainan manufacturing + Chinese market" [2][8] - Key potential cooperation areas include tropical agricultural product processing, digital economy and trade, healthcare and biomedicine, and blue economy and marine cooperation [2][8] - The port's development will require coordinated infrastructure improvements, including traditional and new infrastructure, to enhance connectivity and upgrade Hainan's role to a regional hub within RCEP [8] Group 3: Institutional Advantages and High-Standard Alignment - The institutional advantages of Hainan Free Trade Port provide opportunities for rule, standard, and certification alignment with ASEAN and the RCEP region [9][10] - High-standard alignment is essential for the port's construction, focusing on deep integration with ASEAN in rules, standards, and certifications [10][11] - Proposed mechanisms include establishing a China-ASEAN rule recognition laboratory and a digital talent certification base to facilitate rule alignment and standard co-construction [3][11]

（原标题：专访中国WTO研究会霍建国：海南自贸港为全国制度型开放探路） 资料图 南方财经 21世纪经济报道记者郑青亭、实习生陈颖 北京报道 海南自由贸易港12月18日正式启动全岛封关运作，这是中国扩大高水平对外开放的重要举措。?封关 后，海南将实施"一线放开、二线管住、岛内自由"的监管模式，旨在打造引领新时代对外开放的重要门 户。 "一线"放开后，海南自贸港"零关税"商品税目达到约6600个，比例由21%提高至74%，享惠主体范围也 大幅拓宽。有进口需求的企业，12月18日即可通过海南国际贸易"单一窗口"正式上线的"零关税"申报等 专属功能板块，自主申报。 中国世界贸易组织研究会副会长霍建国在接受21世纪经济报道专访时指出，"十五五"规划建议明确 将"高标准建设海南自由贸易港"作为推动制度型开放和自主开放的核心内容之一。自2018年提出、2019 年形成建设方案以来，海南自贸港历经数年推进，此次全岛封关运作标志着我国高水平开放进入新阶 段，以实际行动印证"中国开放的大门只会越开越大"。 霍建国表示，当前全球贸易环境复杂多变，保护主义抬头，国际贸易体系面临冲击。在此背景下，海南 自贸港对标国际最高开放标准，积极 ...

Group 1: Core Insights - Hainan Free Trade Port officially commenced full island closure operations on December 18, implementing a policy characterized by "opening up the first line, controlling the second line, and free movement within the island" [2] - The policy framework for Hainan's openness has formed over five years, injecting vitality into the local economy and exploring beneficial practices for national-level openness [2] Group 2: Trade Facilitation - The "zero tariff" policy and regulatory innovations, including the "negative list" and customs clearance optimization, have significantly boosted trade development in Hainan [3] - As of September 2025, the import value under the "zero tariff" lists reached 27.06 billion RMB, with tax reductions amounting to 5.09 billion RMB [3] - From 2020 to 2024, Hainan's total import and export value surged from 93.33 billion RMB to 277.89 billion RMB, with annual growth rates exceeding 30% [3] Group 3: Investment Facilitation - Hainan Free Trade Port has implemented measures to ease investment, including lowering industry entry barriers and enhancing financial support [4] - By the end of 2024, nearly 4,300 enterprises and over 39,000 individuals benefited from the "dual 15%" income tax policy [4] - Actual foreign investment in Hainan reached 166.7 billion RMB over four years, with an annual growth rate of 15.8% [4] Group 4: Cross-Border Capital Flow - Hainan Free Trade Port has established a robust financial foundation for cross-border capital flow, with 10 pilot banks opening 483 EF accounts and facilitating approximately 170 billion RMB in cross-border settlements by July 2025 [5] - The QFLP and QDLP frameworks have enabled significant foreign capital inflow and outflow, supporting diverse cross-border financial activities [5] Group 5: Personnel Mobility - Hainan has optimized entry policies, allowing visa-free access for citizens from 86 countries, with over 2 million people entering and exiting the region by October 2025 [6] - The negative list management for work permits has facilitated foreign talent's entry into Hainan's job market [6] Group 6: Transportation Facilitation - Hainan Free Trade Port has enhanced transportation efficiency through optimized customs processes and supportive policies for maritime and air transport [6] - By October 2025, Hainan had opened 79 international passenger routes covering 21 countries and 39 cities [6] Group 7: Data Flow and Security - Hainan has implemented measures to ensure the secure and orderly flow of data, including the release of a negative list for data export management [7] - The province has initiated pilot projects for "game exports," deploying 186 games across 148 countries and regions by December 2024 [7] Group 8: Service Industry Development - The global service industry has become a key driver of economic growth, with its value-added share of GDP reaching 66.3% in 2024 [8] - China's service sector still has room for improvement, particularly in productive services and quality optimization [8] Group 9: International Trade Agreements - The increasing inclusion of service industries in regional trade agreements reflects a growing emphasis on service trade rules [9] - China's manufacturing foreign investment negative list has been eliminated, marking a shift towards expanding service sector openness [9] Group 10: Future Directions - Continued expansion of service sector openness is essential, with a focus on reducing foreign investment entry barriers and enhancing regulatory frameworks [10] - Hainan should align with international trade rules and develop a service industry open system that meets global standards [11]