[Economy](/Economy)
China's president hosts over 40 leaders from auto, tech, banking and other priority sectors
Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks during a meeting with foreign business leaders at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 28. His government is looking to the private sector to boost the country's flagging growth amid intensifying trade friction. © Reuters
CK TAN
TOKYO -- Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted top foreign corporate executives on Friday, state media said, as his government looks to the private sector to shore up the country's flagging economy amid intensifying trade tensions with the U.S.
Speaking to over 40 executives, Xi called on the visitors to join China in defending multilateralism, in a thinly veiled argument against U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and protectionist policies.