Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a forceful defense of multilateral trade at the APEC forum, using the metaphor “join hands rather than letting go” to urge cooperation. His speech in South Korea came just one day after striking a significant one-year deal with US President Donald Trump.
Xi warned the gathered leaders against “breaking supply chains” and called for “genuine multilateralism.” He pushed for nations to “actively seek more points of convergence of interests” to ensure global economic stability.
The new US-China deal provided a foundation for his optimistic message. The pact includes the US slashing some tariffs and export controls, and China agreeing to buy US soybeans and pause new rare earth curbs.
The agreement also delayed a controversial US tech restriction measure for one year. This rule would have targeted thousands of Chinese firms.
The meeting was hailed by both leaders. Trump called it “amazing,” while Xi noted that “dialogue is always better than confrontation.” The positive momentum is set to continue with Trump visiting China in April and Xi visiting the US later.
