{"id":32442,"date":"2025-11-02T09:30:44","date_gmt":"2025-11-02T07:30:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=32442"},"modified":"2025-11-02T09:30:46","modified_gmt":"2025-11-02T07:30:46","slug":"chinas-xi-jinping-urges-stronger-regional-ties-and-economic-cooperation-during-apec-summit-in-south-korea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/chinas-xi-jinping-urges-stronger-regional-ties-and-economic-cooperation-during-apec-summit-in-south-korea\/","title":{"rendered":"China\u2019s Xi Jinping urges stronger regional ties and economic cooperation during APEC Summit in South Korea"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

7 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

China\u2019s President Xi Jinping took center stage at the APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, after President Trump\u2019s early departure, calling for efforts to promote economic globalization and underscoring China\u2019s rising role as a stabilizing force in Asia-Pacific cooperation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two-day summit, which brought together representatives from 21 member economies, was marked by diverging visions of global trade and regional order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Trump\u2019s early exit left his treasury secretary to represent the United States, Xi\u2019s steady presence, coupled with a series of bilateral meetings and public statements, made him the focal point of the gathering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many observers, this was not simply a diplomatic engagement; it was China\u2019s opportunity to demonstrate leadership in an era of shifting geopolitical power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


China\u2019s Leadership and Message of Cooperation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his keynote address, Xi Jinping underscored China\u2019s commitment to multilateralism and economic openness, stating that the world stands \u201cat a new crossroads\u201d where nations must choose between solidarity and confrontation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He urged Asia-Pacific economies to uphold a rules-based international order centered on fairness and mutual benefit, explicitly warning against \u201cunilateralism and bullying.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xi emphasized that the region\u2019s prosperity depends on cooperation, calling for joint efforts to safeguard the stability of global supply chains and the resilience of the world economy. He outlined five core priorities for Asia-Pacific development: protecting multilateral trade, fostering open markets, ensuring stable supply chains, advancing digital and green transformation, and promoting inclusive growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the summit, Xi framed China\u2019s approach as pragmatic and forward-looking. He stressed that economic globalization should not be reversed, arguing that openness brings progress while isolation leads to stagnation. His remarks, delivered to both the APEC leaders and the business community, reflected Beijing\u2019s ambition to champion free trade at a time when protectionist tendencies have grown among major economies.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Asia-Pacific<\/a>
A group photo of leaders attending the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea. (Image Credit: X\/@SpoxCHN_MaoNing)<\/sup><\/em>

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A Summit Without Consensus<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Gyeongju summit also revealed the growing strain within APEC itself. Differences over trade, technology, and governance have deepened among member economies, complicating efforts to produce a unified joint declaration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although participants agreed on a general commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth, the final statement lacked strong language on multilateralism or reform of global trade institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, rising economic nationalism, geopolitical rivalries, and pandemic-driven disruptions have weakened the coherence between APEC nations. The inability to present a unified vision underscores the shifting balance of power, one in which China now plays an increasingly assertive role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Beijing, this moment served to highlight the contrast between its commitment to continuity and Washington\u2019s unpredictable engagement. Xi\u2019s remarks portrayed China as a reliable partner advocating stability and shared prosperity, while the U.S. appeared increasingly disengaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


China\u2019s Expanding Diplomatic Outreach<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the main sessions, Xi\u2019s bilateral meetings with several leaders drew significant attention. His discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi were closely watched. Xi called for a \u201cstrategic and mutually beneficial relationship\u201d between China and Japan, urging both sides to view each other as partners rather than threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The meeting emphasized Beijing\u2019s preference for stable and pragmatic ties with Tokyo, particularly on issues of economic cooperation and supply-chain resilience. Xi also encouraged Japan to handle sensitive historical and security issues in a manner that avoids confrontation, reflecting China\u2019s broader aim of maintaining equilibrium with its regional neighbors.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Chinese<\/a>
Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, on October 31, 2025. (Image Credit: China Ministry of Foreign Affairs)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

China\u2019s outreach was not limited to Japan. Xi also held talks with other Asia-Pacific partners, emphasizing the importance of connectivity, innovation, and sustainable development. Each meeting reinforced Beijing\u2019s vision of a regional community bound by shared interests rather than rivalries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met President Xi, marking the first formal bilateral meeting between the two countries\u2019 leaders since 2017. The meeting took place amid strained Canada-U.S. trade relations and years of diplomatic tension between Ottawa and Beijing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to China\u2019s state broadcaster, Xi said China values Canada\u2019s readiness to improve ties and is willing to work together to put relations \u201cback on track.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carney\u2019s office confirmed discussions on trade issues, including agriculture, seafood, and electric vehicles, adding that he accepted Xi\u2019s invitation to visit China. Analysts described the meeting as a \u201cchange in tone,\u201d though not a full return to strategic partnership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carney has emphasized the importance of re-engagement with China despite ongoing security concerns and trade disputes. Both sides signaled a cautious willingness to rebuild trust while navigating complex political and economic challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Economic Vision and Regional Strategy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xi\u2019s speech at the APEC CEO Summit reinforced China\u2019s long-term economic strategy. He outlined Beijing\u2019s support for a more resilient global economy through digital transformation, green development, and coordinated policy planning. The message was clear: China intends to lead, not follow, in shaping the next phase of Asia-Pacific economic growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He reiterated that economic interdependence is not a weakness but a strength, urging economies to resist the temptation of decoupling or protectionism. \u201cWe should join hands rather than part ways,\u201d Xi said, appealing to business leaders to strengthen cooperation in technology, energy transition, and infrastructure development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two heads of state jointly witnessed the exchange of cooperation documents in fields such as economy and trade, finance, agriculture, law enforcement, and science and technology. pic.twitter.com\/rYN9dgsWiK<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Mao Ning \u6bdb\u5b81 (@SpoxCHN_MaoNing) November 1, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>