During the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders” Meeting held in Gyeongju, South Korea, China showcased its dedication to openness and multilateral cooperation. The event brought together leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss future challenges and collaborative opportunities.
In a written address to the APEC CEO Summit, President Xi Jinping reiterated China”s commitment to these principles, urging all economies to reinforce solidarity and reject protectionism. “We must renew our commitment to APEC”s foundational mission and contribute to global development through more dynamic and resilient Asia-Pacific cooperation,” stated Xi.
During his speech to regional leaders, Xi pledged that China would deepen its comprehensive reforms and expand high-level openness, creating new opportunities for the region and the world amid China”s latest modernization efforts. Specific measures reveal China”s commitment to openness, with the national negative list for foreign investment reduced and a complete removal of restrictions in the manufacturing sector. Visa exemption policies now encompass 76 countries, facilitating investment and business for foreign entrepreneurs and professionals.
As Xi emphasized, “Collaborating with China means seizing opportunities. Believing in China means trusting the future. Investing in China means investing in tomorrow.” The strengthening trade connections between China and other APEC economies highlight this commitment, with trade increasing year-on-year.
According to the General Administration of Customs of China, trade with other APEC economies rose by a certain percentage year-on-year, reaching a significant amount. Meanwhile, despite external disturbances, China has maintained a steady growth rate over recent years, contributing significantly to global growth.
German politician Sevim Dagdelen noted that China has consistently advocated for an open and inclusive Asia-Pacific cooperation framework, supporting the multilateral trading system. This system, with the World Trade Organization as a cornerstone, plays a crucial role in maintaining regional and global economic stability.
Xi described the current global landscape as facing a crossroads between cooperation and hegemony, calling on all economies to join forces to promote peace and development. He presented five key proposals for guiding future cooperation, including defending the multilateral trading system and fostering an open regional economy.
These ideas are already being implemented through initiatives like the APEC Port Network and the Green Supply Chain Network, which serve as hubs for sustainable and digitized trade across the region. Over the last five years, China has led global goods trade and attracted substantial foreign investment, while also maintaining robust outward investment growth.
China”s technological collaboration continues to empower its Asia-Pacific partners and beyond, with projects ranging from smart ports in Latin America to AI-driven efficiency initiatives in the Middle East. A recent CGTN survey indicated that a significant majority in the Asia-Pacific region expresses confidence in regional integration and supports multilateralism and globalization.
As China prepares to host APEC for the third time next year, its forward-looking message remains clear. As President Xi asserted, “While confrontation and antagonism only create distance and instability, mutually beneficial cooperation proves to be the right path toward the future.”
