Gyeongju, South Korea
Chinese President Xi Jinping positioned himself as the global voice for free trade and multilateral cooperation during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, an event notably skipped by the U.S. President Donald Trump. The contrast between Xi’s globalist message and Trump’s absence underscored the widening gap in their countries’ approaches to international trade and diplomacy.
Xi delivered his remarks at the two-day APEC forum in South Korea, emphasizing the importance of unity and openness amid growing protectionism and geopolitical uncertainty. His speech framed China as a defender of global trade, at a time when many economies are still recovering from disruptions in supply chains and inflation pressures.
“The more turbulent the world becomes, the more we must work together,” Xi said, calling for “open markets, stable supply chains, and mutual trust among nations.”
Trump Skips Summit, Holds Bilateral Talks with Xi Instead
While Xi took center stage at the APEC leaders’ summit, President Trump’s absence drew sharp attention. Trump attended an earlier bilateral meeting with Xi in Busan, where both sides announced a partial thaw in U.S.-China trade tensions. The two leaders agreed on tariff reductions and new agricultural trade commitments, including China’s pledge to increase U.S. soybean imports and ease restrictions on rare earth exports.
However, after the meeting, Trump returned to Washington, skipping the main APEC sessions where member leaders discussed regional cooperation and trade frameworks. The move sparked questions about Washington’s commitment to multilateral engagement and gave Beijing a visible platform to promote its leadership on the global stage.
China Steps Into the Spotlight
With the U.S. effectively absent, Xi used the moment to reinforce China’s role as a stabilizing force in the Asia-Pacific economy. He stressed the need for inclusive development, green technology cooperation, and digital trade, proposing new initiatives aimed at sustaining regional growth.
Analysts say Xi’s speech reflects Beijing’s strategic positioning portraying itself as a dependable global partner at a time when the U.S. appears more inward-looking. China’s advocacy for multilateralism comes as part of its long-term effort to expand influence through frameworks such as the Belt and Road Initiative and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
At the summit, Xi urged APEC economies to resist protectionism and avoid “economic fragmentation,” warning that trade barriers and unilateral policies could harm global growth.
Mixed Global Reactions
Xi’s statements were welcomed by several Asia-Pacific economies that rely heavily on open trade, including Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. European Union officials also echoed calls for free trade, saying cooperation remains vital in a “fragmented world economy.”
However, some Western analysts remain cautious, noting that while China advocates openness abroad, it continues to maintain tight domestic controls on technology, foreign investment, and media. “China’s rhetoric of openness often contrasts with its protectionist policies at home,” said an analyst from the Brookings Institution, adding that “its free-trade message may be more diplomatic than practical.”
U.S. Faces Criticism Over APEC Absence
Trump’s decision to skip the summit sparked criticism from several APEC members who viewed it as a missed opportunity for American engagement. For many allies in Asia, the move was symbolic reinforcing perceptions that the U.S. is pulling back from global trade leadership in favor of bilateral or transactional deals.
The White House defended Trump’s decision, saying his one-on-one meeting with Xi achieved “more tangible outcomes than any multilateral photo opportunity.” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who represented the U.S. in Trump’s absence, stated that Washington remains committed to “fair and reciprocal trade” but prefers “results-driven diplomacy.”
Economic Implications
Economists note that while the tariff reductions announced after the Trump-Xi meeting could ease short-term tensions, they don’t address the deeper structural disputes between the world’s two largest economies particularly those involving technology transfer, intellectual property, and national security.
Still, markets reacted positively to the partial trade thaw. Asian stock indices rose modestly following news of the tariff cuts and China’s rare-earth export easing. Analysts say the developments could provide temporary relief to industries dependent on U.S.-China trade, especially agriculture and electronics manufacturing.
The Broader Message
For many observers, the Gyeongju APEC summit symbolized a shifting balance of influence in the Asia-Pacific region. With Trump absent, Xi’s speech carried the weight of leadership, signaling China’s intent to fill any diplomatic void left by Washington.
“China is playing the long game,” said a trade expert at Seoul National University. “By presenting itself as a champion of free trade, it gains moral authority while the U.S. risks appearing isolated.”
Still, challenges remain. Critics argue that Xi’s defense of global trade could ring hollow if Beijing fails to address concerns about transparency, data governance, and state subsidies that distort competition. Meanwhile, Trump’s “America First” policies continue to resonate with parts of the U.S. electorate, suggesting that Washington’s cautious stance toward globalization is unlikely to change soon.
Looking Ahead
The APEC summit concluded without a joint statement a reflection of growing divisions among member economies. However, diplomats say behind-the-scenes discussions between mid-level officials remain active, particularly on supply-chain coordination, climate action, and AI-driven trade monitoring.
As both powers navigate their competing visions for global trade, the coming months will reveal whether the modest trade concessions made in Busan signal a genuine thaw or simply a temporary pause in an ongoing rivalry.
Read Also Trump Orders Resumption of Nuclear Testing
Discover more from VyvyDaily
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
