The novel coronavirus pandemic will not reverse economic globalization, and China remains attractive for foreign capital despite the viral impact on global industry chains, Zhang Yesui, spokesperson for the third session of the 13th National People's Congress, said on Thursday.

"Economy runs its own course. The global industry chains that we see today are shaped by many factors over the years, and that is also the result of behaviors and choices of businesses across the world. It cannot be changed by any single country," he said at a press briefing.

"Economic globalization is a historical trend. The COVID-19 will surely affect globalization in more than one way. But this historical process will not be reversed," he said.

COVID-19 does have some effects on foreign businesses operating in China, said Zhang, but there is no flight of foreign capital. "China is still an attractive destination for foreign investment. Foreign investors remain optimistic about China, and remain confident in their long-term operation in the country."

China will continue to support multilateralism, safeguard free trade and the multilateral trade regime, and continue to facilitate reform and improvement of the global governance system, according to the spokesperson.