Xi takes centre stage at APEC meet, promises to defend global free trade

1 NOVEMBER 2025

Mr. Xi took centre stage at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, as Mr. Trump left the country a day earlier after reaching deals with Mr. Xi meant to ease their escalating trade war.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping told Asia-Pacific leaders that his country would help to defend global free trade at the annual economic regional forum snubbed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
APEC represents nearly 40% of the world’s population and more than half of global goods trade.
Mr. Xi called for maintaining supply chain stability, in a riposte to U.S. efforts to decouple its supply chains from China.
He also expressed hopes to work with other countries to expand cooperation in green industries and clean energy.