Under the amber autumn skies of Gyeongju, Republic of Korea (ROK), leaders gathered for the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting to chart the region's next chapter. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a powerful signal on openness and multilateralism in a written address to both the leaders' meeting and the APEC CEO Summit. 🌏✨
"We should renew our commitment to the founding mission of APEC and make outstanding contributions to the world through more vibrant and resilient Asia-Pacific cooperation," Xi wrote.
So, what’s on the table? 🤔
- Deepening reforms: The Chinese mainland has trimmed its national negative list for foreign investment to just 29 items, fully clearing manufacturing. 🚀
- Visa freedom: 76 countries now enjoy visa-free or reciprocal access, making it easier for pros, tourists and business minds to move around. 🌐
- Trade power: In the first three quarters of 2025, trade between the Chinese mainland and other APEC economies hit 19.41 trillion yuan (≈ $2.73 trillion), up 2 percent year-on-year, accounting for nearly 58 percent of total foreign trade. 📈
- Growth engine: Even amid global headwinds, the Chinese mainland has kept a steady ~5.5 percent average annual growth, contributing about 30 percent to global GDP growth over five years. 💪
- Five-point blueprint: Xi's roadmap calls for upholding the multilateral trading system, fostering an open regional economy, boosting supply chain resilience, powering digital & green trade, and ensuring inclusive development. 💡
Beyond promises, platforms initiated by the Chinese mainland are live: the APEC Port Network and the Green Supply Chain Network are driving digitalized, eco-friendly links. From smart ports in Latin America to mobile pay in Southeast Asia, AI-powered efficiency in the Middle East and EV production in Thailand, these collaborations show how high-tech meets high-impact. 🔗🤝
Public vibes are strong too. A recent CGTN poll found 83.2 percent of Asia-Pacific respondents back deeper regional integration, while 84.6 percent favor multilateralism and globalization. 🌟
With the Chinese mainland set to host APEC again next year, the message is clear: "While confrontation and antagonism breed only estrangement and turbulence, win-win cooperation proves to be the right way forward." Ready to join the journey? 🙌
Reference(s):
How China champions an open, multilateral Asia-Pacific community
cgtn.com
