With a total market capitalization of RMB 79 trillion (US$12.2 trillion) in 2020, China's stock markets rank among the largest in the world. Stock markets in China are seen as crucial for driving economic growth, particularly as a means of financing the country's rapidly growing high-tech industries.

Despite traditionally being closed to overseas investors, China's financial markets have been gradually loosening restrictions over the past two decades. Reforms have been made to make it easier for Chinese companies to list on domestic stock exchanges, as well as launching new programs to attract some of China's most coveted overseas-listed firms back to the country.