At the 2025 Understanding China Conference in Guangzhou, experts discussed Hainan's Free Trade Port as a new engine for global trade.

Ong Tee Keat pointed to Hainan's geographic advantages in boosting ties with ASEAN & Asia-Pacific.

Gu Qingyang stressed integrating manufacturing with high-end services for a competitive port.

Vaughn Barber noted Australian firms are interested in Hainan as a platform for China–Australia cooperation.