In a speech he addressed to the leaders of the countries belonging to the group, hours before the talks he was scheduled to hold with his American counterpart, Joe Biden, Xi touched on “challenges such as the geopolitical situation, unilateralism, and increasing protectionism.”
He said, “We must unite ranks and cooperate,” according to statements reported by China’s official CCTV channel.
The upcoming meeting will be held between… something Biden is two months before the return of the Republican president-elect Donald Trump Who was involved in a trade war with Beijing during his first presidential term, to the White House in January.
In his recent election campaign, Trump pledged to pursue protectionist trade policies, including imposing tariffs on all imports, especially those from China.
On Saturday, Xi urged APEC members to firmly adhere to multipolarity and open economies while pushing for regional integration.
He expressed support for efforts that have been made for years to establish a free trade area in the Asia-Pacific region, noting that Beijing is ready to negotiate trade agreements in the digital and environmentally friendly sectors.
Xi, whose country will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 2026, called for more cooperation in several areas, especially artificial intelligence.
On Friday, Xi warned during the APEC summit that attempts to reduce global economic interdependence entail “counterproductive steps.”
China, the second largest economy in the world, faces several challenges, ranging from a long-term housing crisis to slowing consumption and the indebtedness of local authorities.
China is looking to achieve annual growth of about five percent this year, but many experts consider this percentage unrealistic given the challenges facing its economy.
