China's Xi Jinping to Champion Openness and Inclusiveness at APEC Summit

Strategic Insights -

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to join leaders from APEC economies in South Korea in a bid to build consensus for shared prosperity and reaffirm China's commitment to open, inclusive economic globalization. As the region faces mounting trade shocks and heightened geopolitical uncertainties, Xi is expected to double down on his long-held vision of an open Asia-Pacific economy. The International Monetary Fund has projected that economic growth in the Asia-Pacific will slow from 4.5 percent this year to 4.1 percent in 2026, underscoring the urgency to keep the spirit of cooperation alive.

Key Takeaways:

  • China's President Xi Jinping will participate in the APEC summit to promote open, inclusive economic globalization and secure China's position as a key player in the Asia-Pacific region.
  • Xi's vision for an open Asia-Pacific economy has been a cornerstone of his strategy, driving China's growth and international engagement over the past decade.
  • China has strengthened its economic ties with APEC member economies, with 15 countries having signed free trade agreements with China.
  • Malaysia is one of China's largest trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching a record 212 billion U.S. dollars in 2024.
  • Xi's commitment to openness has deep roots, dating back to his early days as a young official in China's southeastern coastal city of Xiamen, where he envisioned a free port and special economic zone.
  • Xi has championed multilateralism and free trade, with China actively promoting its high-quality development and fully implementing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) commitments.
  • The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has grown into a powerful growth engine linking economies across the Asia-Pacific and reshaping trade routes in the region.
  • China has rolled out visa-free policies and expanded cultural initiatives to further expand the world's access to China, with more than 40 global CEOs and business leaders attending a meeting with Xi this year.
  • Xi believes that cultural exchanges and mutual understanding lay the foundation for lasting cooperation, as seen in his conversation with Chilean President Gabriel Boric at the 2024 APEC Leaders' Meeting.
  • APEC's Putrajaya Vision 2040 aims to create an "open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040," with China playing a leading role in multilateral mechanisms, including RCEP, the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat, and ASEAN+3.

Statistics:

  • 60% of the world's total GDP is accounted for by APEC member economies in 2025.
  • China's economy is fully implementing the RCEP commitments and actively promoting its high-quality development.
  • RCEP connects 15 Asia-Pacific countries, 12 of which are APEC members, and strengthens the region's economic interdependence.
  • China-Malaysia trade climbed to a record 212 billion U.S. dollars in 2024.
  • Over 40 global CEOs and business leaders attended a meeting with Xi in Beijing this year.
  • The number of foreign visitors to China has risen year over year.

Sources:

  • Xinhua via COMTEX (October 29, 2025)
  • "Xi's vision for open, inclusive Asia-Pacific economy" (Xinhua via COMTEX, April 2025)
  • "China, ASEAN sign China-ASEAN Free Trade Area Version 3.0" (Xinhua via COMTEX, October 2024)
  • "Xi meets over 40 global CEOs, business leaders in Beijing" (Xinhua via COMTEX, March 2024)
  • "APEC leaders gather for 2024 summit" (Xinhua via COMTEX, November 2024)
  • "China, Brunei discuss climate change cooperation" (Xinhua via COMTEX, February 2024)