Xi Jinping Urges Asia-Pacific Nations to Strengthen Trade Ties, Warns Against U.S.-Led Supply Chain Shifts
China, U.S. Agree on Partial Trade Truce as Xi Calls for ‘Joining Hands’ at APEC Summit
PNS Bureau:-Chinese President Xi Jinping emerged as the key figure at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit on Friday, using his platform to pitch China as a reliable trade partner while subtly warning nations against aligning with U.S. efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains.
With U.S. President Donald Trump leaving the summit a day earlier, Mr. Xi became the only superpower leader present, meeting Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Canada’s and Australia’s leaders, and South Korean officials. In his address, he urged members to “join hands rather than let go” and “extend rather than break supply chains,” indirectly criticizing Western “de-risking” efforts.
Mr. Xi also denounced “protectionism” and “unilateral bullying” in remarks read to business leaders, a veiled jab at Washington. However, his call for openness contrasted with China’s recent proposal for export controls on rare earth minerals, a move that had alarmed several countries before being suspended following trade talks with the U.S.
The Xi–Trump meeting in Busan led to a temporary easing of tensions — the U.S. reduced tariffs and delayed export restrictions, while China agreed to resume soybean imports and pause new rare earth curbs. Analysts said Xi used the forum to promote “practical cooperation” through initiatives like the Belt and Road and regional trade pacts, as countries across Asia continue balancing ties between Washington and Beijing.(PNS)
