At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Gyeongju, South Korea, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to uphold global free trade and strengthen multilateral cooperation,

About the APEC 2025 Summit

• Host: South Korea (City of Gyeongju)
• Theme: “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper.”
• Participants: Leaders and representatives from 21 Asia-Pacific Rim economies.
• Focus Areas:
• • Regional economic integration and free trade
  • Supply chain resilience
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) cooperation
  • Ageing populations and demographic challenges
  • Sustainable and green growth strategies

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Key highlights of APEC summit

• Xi Jinping’s Call for Multilateralism:
  • Chinese President Xi Jinping urged APEC members to uphold global free trade, supply chain stability, and multilateral cooperation amid rising global uncertainties.
  • Emphasised partnerships in green energy and clean technology, responding to concerns over Chinese industrial oversupply.
• U.S. Absence and Bilateral Developments:
  • President Donald Trump skipped the APEC Summit after a bilateral meeting with Xi, where both agreed on tariff reductions, soybean imports, and rare earth exports.
  • U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent represented the U.S., reaffirming a focus on “fair and reciprocal” trade and resilient supply chains.
• South Korea’s Role:
  • As host, South Korea promoted cooperation on AI, ageing populations, and sustainable growth.
  • Attempted to secure a joint statement reaffirming free trade, though differing member positions made a strong consensus unlikely.
• Global Significance:
  • The 2025 Summit reflected shifting power dynamics — with China emerging as a defender of multilateralism and the U.S. favouring bilateralism.
  • Experts highlighted the need for APEC to move beyond trade truce diplomacy and strengthen collaboration on sustainable trade, digital innovation, and climate resilience.

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