Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to defend global free trade at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit on Friday, where he took center stage after U.S. President Donald Trump skipped the meeting.

The annual regional forum, held this year in the South Korean city of Gyeongju, opened a day after Trump departed the country. His earlier meeting with Xi had produced agreements aimed at easing the trade tensions that have rattled the global economy.

Although the two leaders’ talks dominated attention, Trump’s absence from APEC underscored his continued rejection of large multilateral gatherings. Critics warn that this could further damage America’s reputation in a forum representing almost 40% of the global population and more than half of world trade.

Xi Calls for Unity and Open Trade

Addressing APEC’s opening session, Xi urged member nations to strengthen cooperation amid global uncertainty.

“The more turbulent the times, the more we must work together,” he said, noting that the world faces “rapid changes and increasing volatility.”

He emphasized the importance of stable supply chains, countering U.S. efforts to separate from China economically. Xi also called for deeper collaboration in green industries and clean energy.

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In a written message to the APEC CEO summit, Xi reaffirmed that China remains open to investment and committed to the multilateral trading system.

“Those who establish a presence in the Chinese market will seize key opportunities in global competition,” he wrote. “Investing in China means investing in the future.”

Representing Trump, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington’s efforts to rebalance trade were aimed at ensuring “fair and reciprocal” terms, and at creating more resilient production networks that reduce dependence on vulnerable sectors.

Xi’s Diplomatic Meetings

The summit marked Xi’s first visit to South Korea in 11 years. On the sidelines, he met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

During talks with Takaichi, Xi called for a “constructive and stable relationship for a new era,” while Takaichi expressed hopes of addressing bilateral issues and building a stronger personal rapport with Xi.

Xi is also expected to meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Saturday, with discussions likely to include North Korea’s nuclear program.

APEC’s Growing Challenges

Founded in 1989 to promote free and open trade across the Asia-Pacific, APEC now faces mounting challenges, including U.S.-China rivalry, supply chain disruptions, aging populations, and the impact of artificial intelligence on employment.

Under Trump, Washington has shifted from cooperation to competition with Beijing, with tariff hikes and an “America First” agenda unsettling global markets and challenging decades of globalization.

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Opening the summit, host President Lee urged members to focus on solidarity and shared prosperity.

“We may not always stand on the same side, but we can unite around our common goal of mutual growth,” he said.

Canada’s Carney echoed that sentiment, announcing plans to double his country’s non-U.S. exports within a decade, citing “one of the most profound global shifts since the fall of the Berlin Wall.”

Despite the positive tone after Trump and Xi’s meeting, experts warn that tensions could flare again as both nations vie for dominance in manufacturing and emerging technologies like AI.

“Bringing the two largest economies together to ease tariff and export disputes helped avert the worst outcomes for global trade,” said Leif-Eric Easley, professor at Ewha Womans University. “But APEC should be more than a platform for trade truces — it must advance cooperation on sustainable and digital trade.”

South Korea Seeks Consensus

As host, South Korea is pushing for all 21 member economies to adopt a joint statement — a goal that eluded APEC in 2018 due to U.S.-China friction.

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun recently said that while a strong pro–free trade statement may be difficult, Seoul hopes for a broader declaration highlighting regional peace and prosperity.

This year’s agenda also prioritizes collaboration on artificial intelligence and demographic challenges.

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