Global Headwinds Test APEC Unity 🌏
The 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting unfolded at a time when unilateral moves and tariff disputes are shaking the Asia-Pacific, and unexpected shocks keep popping up. Against this backdrop, all eyes were on the Chinese President Xi Jinping, hoping to hear ideas that can steady the ship.
Xi’s Call for Openness & Cooperation 🤝
In two powerful speeches at the event and a written address to the APEC CEO Summit, Xi emphasized that Asia-Pacific members should hold hands, not pull away; extend industrial chains, not cut them. His five-point plan and three-point strategy highlighted innovation, green transformation, and shared growth as the way forward.
Expert Voices & Partnership Power 🎙️
John Milligan-Whyte, executive chairman of the America-China Partnership Foundation, noted that Xi’s focus on shared interests sends a vivid signal of openness. Liu Chenyang from the APEC Study Center at Nankai University said this vision offers a practical offset to rising protectionism. Meanwhile, Carlos Aquino of Peru’s National University of San Marcos praised Xi’s push for genuine multilateralism and freer trade.
Asia-Pacific: Engine of Growth 🚀
The region is home to one-third of the world’s people, over 60% of its GDP, and almost half of global trade. Despite growing calls for decoupling, trade between China and other APEC members rose 2% year-on-year to 19.41 trillion yuan in the first three quarters, accounting for 57.8% of China's foreign trade.
From the new sea route at Peru’s Chancay Port to Chinese new energy vehicle factories in Southeast Asia, cooperation stories are unfolding every day.
Building Resilient Ties & Free Trade 🔗
China is deepening regional integration through RCEP, moving toward joining the CPTPP and DEPA, and upgrading the China-ASEAN FTA 3.0. Alongside the Belt and Road Initiative, these moves aim to safeguard free trade and strengthen supply chains.
Eyes on Shenzhen 2023 ✨
With the baton now passed to the Chinese mainland for next year’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen, global attention is focused on fresh opportunities. Xi’s message provides a roadmap for navigating headwinds and forging a shared, sustainable future in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
Reference(s):
Why Xi's APEC message matters as global headwinds grow stronger
cgtn.com
