Xi Pledges Free Trade Defense Amid U.S. APEC Snub

At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged his country's commitment to defending global free trade, as U.S. President Donald Trump opted to avoid the regional economic event. Xi's remarks resonated amid mounting trade tensions and complex geopolitical dynamics.

This year's APEC gathering, attended by leaders from 21 Asian and Pacific Rim economies, has been overshadowed by the Trump-Xi meeting that temporarily eased their escalating trade war, underscoring the importance of strategic cooperation for global economic stability.

With challenges such as strategic U.S.-China competition, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the impact of AI on industries, the summit faced calls for solidarity and innovation. South Korea, as host, emphasized the need for a joint declaration supporting sustainable trade and addressing demographic challenges.