中文
By Anthony Moretti
Lead: Chinese President Xi Jinping advocated for open trade and regional cooperation at the APEC summit in South Korea, underscoring China's push for shared prosperity amid global uncertainty.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has outlined his vision for the future of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). His trip to South Korea, the host of this year's APEC summit, was also his first to the country in 11 years and included an official state visit.
In the lead-up to the president's departure to South Korea, the Chinese Foreign Ministry reminded the international community that China remains committed to economic cooperation in the region. It also expressed willingness to enhance relations with South Korea, the world's 14th-largest economy by GDP — the third-largest in East Asia, after China and Japan.
The president made a speech at Session I of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting on Oct. 31, which included five proposals that would secure the short- and long-term strength not only of the Asia-Pacific region but also the globe. Many comments have been made on the speech and the proposals across the globe, such as the following: If China does well, the entirety of the Asia-Pacific is better positioned to do well; and if the entirety of the Asia-Pacific does well, the remainder of the world is better positioned to thrive.
President Xi's first proposal was working "together to safeguard the multilateral trading system." What does this imply? Let's not mince words here: Dangerous policies being advanced by certain nations to either limit trade or make it more expensive might score domestic political points, but the overwhelming evidence is they do not work. Trade must be robust and open; this will guarantee benefits to all parties. In welcoming his guests, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung noted that "the ultimate goal of shared prosperity" must be at the center of APEC's discussions; President Xi amplified that message most notably in this first proposal.
President Xi's second proposal is: Economies in the Asia-Pacific must "work together to build an open economic environment in the region." Accordingly, APEC officials have recognized that sustaining strong regional growth is closely linked to global economic conditions; the region's continued resilience depends on healthy demand from the rest of the world. One can see in President Xi's words the acknowledgment that steady economic seas closer to home might limit the economic damage resulting from turbulent waters elsewhere.
Next, President Xi, recognizing the essential nature of supply chains, advocated for all regional economies to guarantee there will be no disruptions to supply chains. China has made clear to certain nations that it is working from a position of strength when it comes to supply chains. At APEC, the president's message reflected this confidence without being strident or confrontational.
Fourth, President Xi proposed that the APEC economies should work together to advance the digital and green transformation of trade, and expand cooperation in green industries, clean energy and green minerals. This is another example of consistency of message: Time and again, President Xi has made it clear that if the climate suffers, every nation, no matter how big or small, suffers. Just last week, the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China issued a communique about the country's future goals, especially connected to the 15th Five-Year Plan. That document outlined priorities, including pursuing smart, green and integrated development while accelerating the green transition across all areas of economic and social development to build a Beautiful China. The message is clear: China is prepared to lead by example in regional cooperation on the digital and green upgrades for trade.
Finally, he reminded his audience that the APEC economies "should work together to promote universally beneficial and inclusive development," indicating that the continued advancement of the region's developing countries is vital. Relatedly, APEC has many reasons to celebrate. APEC's 2024 unemployment rate of 3.9% is a full percentage point below the global average, according to official data. In that same year, the region accounted for 50% of global merchandise exports and 61% of the world's GDP. But the data also make clear that multiple nations in the region trail significantly behind the largest APEC economies. Once again, the need to ensure sustained growth throughout APEC must be front and center.
President Xi's APEC address came at a critical time, following positive conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump. The two leaders talked before the start of the summit, which President Trump opted not to attend, and reached agreements expected to benefit both countries and bring needed stability to the global economy and international peace.
Of course, some analysts worry that the optimism from that meeting may not last; the intensity of the competition between China and the U.S., combined with the frequent hostile rhetoric from Washington, could upend future plans. It is imperative that the U.S. and its Western allies resist further drift toward populist agendas that give their peoples a false sense of their country's strength and ability to hold off the multipolar world that defines the 21st century.
Steady leadership fosters confidence both at home and abroad, encouraging businesses to invest in research and development, hiring, and modernization. Likewise, consumers can breathe easier when making major purchases.
We can see this kind of leadership coming from China, a country that regularly speaks of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and win-win cooperation. In this environment, regional groupings, such as APEC, are not akin to walls seeking to keep people, goods and services out. Rather, they are like open doors, inviting in positive partners and people-to-people exchanges.
In a word, the world needs more open doors.
Anthony Moretti is an associate professor in the Department of Communication and Organizational Leadership at Robert Morris University. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Robert Morris University.
