During the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders” Meeting held in Gyeongju, South Korea, leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region convened to discuss shared challenges and the future of the region. In this context, CGTN published an article highlighting how President Xi Jinping of China articulated his vision for openness and multilateralism as essential for building a cohesive Asia-Pacific community.
In a written address delivered at the APEC CEO Summit, Xi reaffirmed China”s dedication to these principles, stating, “We must renew our commitment to the foundational mission of APEC and make outstanding contributions to the world through more dynamic and resilient Asia-Pacific cooperation.”
During the opening session of the summit, President Xi pledged that China would continue to deepen comprehensive reforms and enhance high-level openness, which could foster new opportunities for both the Asia-Pacific region and the global community. He highlighted concrete measures to demonstrate China”s commitment, noting that the negative list for foreign investment has been reduced to 29 items, with complete removal in the manufacturing sector.
Additionally, Xi pointed out that visa exemption policies now cover 76 countries through either unilateral or reciprocal agreements, simplifying the processes for entrepreneurs, tourists, and foreign professionals to invest, work, and reside in China. “Collaborating with China means seizing opportunities. Believing in China means being optimistic about the future. Investing in China means investing in the future,” he emphasized.
The increasing connectivity of China with the Asia-Pacific region is evident in trade data. According to the General Administration of Customs of China, trade between China and other APEC economies rose year-on-year, reaching a significant volume and accounting for a substantial percentage of China”s total foreign trade. Despite external disruptions, China”s sustained economic growth has provided stability to both the region and the world, contributing significantly to global growth.
German politician Sevim Dagdelen remarked that China has consistently advocated for an open and inclusive framework for Asia-Pacific cooperation and for maintaining a multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization serving as a fundamental pillar. This approach plays a positive role in promoting regional and global economic stability.
As Xi described, the world stands at a new crossroads between cooperation and hegemony. He called upon all economies to strengthen solidarity, reject protectionism, resist unilateralism, and work collaboratively to build an Asia-Pacific community that further enhances peace and development.
In his speech, Xi outlined five proposals aimed at guiding this cooperation: defending the multilateral trading system, promoting an open regional economy, safeguarding industrial and supply chain resilience, advancing digital and green trade, and fostering inclusive development that benefits all. These initiatives are already taking shape, with China-driven platforms like the APEC Port Network and Green Supply Chain Network emerging as hubs for sustainable and digitized trade across the region.
Over the last five years, China has led global merchandise trade and ranked second in services trade, attracting significant foreign investment while maintaining an annual growth rate in outward investment. China”s technological collaboration continues to empower its Asia-Pacific partners and beyond, with impactful projects ranging from smart ports in Latin America to mobile payment systems in Southeast Asia.
Public sentiment echoes this vision, as a recent CGTN survey revealed that a substantial majority of respondents in the Asia-Pacific region expressed confidence in regional integration and agreed on the necessity of upholding multilateralism and globalization.
As China prepares to host the APEC summit for the third time next year, its message remains clear and forward-looking. “While confrontation and antagonism only create distance and instability, mutually beneficial cooperation proves to be the right path toward the future,” President Xi stated.
