China has made "important and long-lasting contributions" to the global trading system and is expected to see a significant evolution in its role over the next decade, according to Robert Koopman, former chief economist of the World Trade Organization.

Koopman told China Perspective during a recent exclusive interview that a key element of China's contribution lies in its ability to continuously upgrade its production capacity, offering an example to other economies on how global trade can be leveraged to accelerate domestic economic development.

He noted that China has now become a major supply center for the global economy, expecting the country's role to further evolve.

"Over the next five to 10 years, an important shift in China's role is likely to be toward becoming a major center of demand," he said, adding that while China's position in global demand networks has increased, it remains far less significant than its role on the supply side.