Vice Premier He Lifeng said on Wednesday the world was undergoing "turbulence and transformation" as he kicked off an expo in Beijing.

Beijing is using this week's China International Supply Chain Expo as a forum to boost its image as the global defender of free trade – in contrast with the tariff chaos sparked by US President Donald Trump.

"Some countries are interfering in the market under the pretext of reducing risk, using measures such as imposing tariffs," the vice premier said in his opening remarks.

"Global changes of a century are accelerating, with multiple risks intertwining and piling up.

"We need to further build a shared consensus on development, firmly oppose the politicisation, ideologisation and over-securitisation of economic and trade issues, and work together to uphold an open and cooperative international environment."

China, He said, is accelerating industrial modernisation, which will support global industry and supply chains.

The country is also increasing efforts to boost consumption, he said. (AFP/Reuters)