Chinese policies tailored to foreign investors have essentially remained "unchanged" during the past three decades, and it's unwise for foreign businesses to always "politicize" trade issues, Tong Zhiguang, former vice-minister of commerce, told China Daily in an exclusive interview.

Instead, they should try to "adjust themselves" to the changing economic development mode China is in -one of fierce competition in the domestic marketplace, rather than "continuously complaining", Tong suggested.

Responding to ongoing concerns that China is turning hostile against foreign businesses during the past few months, Tong insisted that he has "not seen any changes with China's policies of absorbing foreign investment", and the policies have been "in line with the World Trade Organization rules".

"China has welcomed foreign investment and I believe the nation will continue to do so by all means, as the nation understands foreign businesses play a key role in pushing forward Chinese development," said Tong, also former chief WTO negotiator.

Tong's viewpoint echoed Commerce Minister Chen commentary published in the Financial Times several weeks ago. Chen Deming said China is wide open to the world and "will open wider in the future and the rest of the world will benefit".