Xi vows to defend free trade at APEC as Trump skips summit

GYEONGJU, South Korea — Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged on Friday that China would stand firm in defending global free trade, using the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit as a platform to reaffirm Beijing’s commitment to multilateralism amid growing U.S. disengagement.

Xi addressed leaders from 21 Asia-Pacific economies at the two-day summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, emphasizing cooperation and stability amid economic uncertainty. His remarks came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump left South Korea following a high-profile meeting with Xi that produced several trade concessions.

Trump hailed his talks with Xi as a “roaring success,” announcing plans to reduce U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. In return, China agreed to resume imports of American soybeans and permit exports of rare earth elements. The agreement temporarily eased fears of renewed tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

However, Trump’s decision to skip APEC underscored his continued aversion to multinational forums. Analysts warned that his absence could further damage Washington’s influence in a region where APEC represents nearly 40 percent of the global population and more than half of world trade.

Xi’s Call for Cooperation

“The more turbulent the times, the more we must work together,” Xi said in his keynote speech. He urged APEC members to maintain stable supply chains and deepen cooperation in green industries and clean energy.

In written remarks to the APEC CEO Summit, Xi reiterated that China remains open to investment and committed to the multilateral trading system. “Investing in China is investing in the future,” he said.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who represented the United States at the summit, said Washington’s efforts to rebalance trade were aimed at ensuring “fair and reciprocal terms.” He added that the U.S. was helping build resilient production networks to reduce vulnerabilities in global supply chains.

Diplomatic Outreach

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

In his meeting with Takaichi, Xi called for a “constructive and stable” bilateral relationship. Takaichi expressed hope of addressing challenges and strengthening personal ties with the Chinese leader. Xi is also scheduled to meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Saturday to discuss North Korea’s nuclear program and regional security.

APEC’s Broader Challenges

Founded in 1989, APEC promotes free and open trade and investment across the Asia-Pacific. But this year’s summit unfolds amid growing strategic competition between the U.S. and China, aging populations, and concerns over the economic impact of artificial intelligence.

Opening the summit, President Lee urged unity and collaboration. “We can’t always stand on the same side, but we can work together for shared prosperity,” he said.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed that sentiment, noting that “our world is undergoing one of the most profound shifts since the fall of the Berlin Wall” as his government seeks to double non-U.S. exports within a decade.

Analysts Urge Broader Cooperation

Experts said the Trump-Xi meeting helped avert an immediate escalation of trade tensions but warned that long-term cooperation remains fragile.

“It was significant that the two leaders agreed to step back from their most extreme tariff and export control threats,” said Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. “However, APEC should be more than a venue for a trade war truce. The region needs stronger multilateral efforts to address protectionism and coordinate digital and sustainable trade standards.”

South Korea, as host, aims to secure a joint statement from all 21 members, avoiding a repeat of the 2018 impasse in Papua New Guinea when the U.S. and China failed to agree on trade language. Officials have indicated that a final declaration may focus on peace, prosperity, and cooperation in artificial intelligence and demographic challenges.