Xi Jinping's Five-Point Blueprint for an Inclusive Asia-Pacific Economy
Gyeongju, South Korea — At the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting on October 31, President Xi Jinping laid out a forward-looking agenda to deepen cooperation and foster shared growth across the region. His five-point roadmap aims to strengthen trade, stabilize supply chains, accelerate digital and green transformation, and drive inclusive development.
1. Safeguarding Multilateral Trade
Xi stressed the importance of true multilateralism with the WTO at its core. He called for upholding fundamental principles like the most-favored-nation rule and updating trade rules to protect developing economies.
2. Fostering Open Regional Integration
The president highlighted the role of regional frameworks such as RCEP and CPTPP. By aligning these agreements, APEC can inject fresh momentum into the long-envisioned Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP).
3. Stabilizing Supply Chains
Against a backdrop of lingering disruptions, Xi urged members to strengthen connectivity—physical, institutional, and people-to-people—to keep industrial and supply chains smooth and resilient.
4. Driving Digital & Green Trade
Digital technologies and green industries are central to the next growth phase. Xi pointed to platforms like the Asia-Pacific Model E-port Network and the Cooperation Network on Green Supply Chain as catalysts for cross-border digitalization and environmental sustainability.
5. Promoting Inclusive Globalization
The final pillar centers on people. Xi advocated for a globalization that benefits all, noting China's zero-tariff treatment for least developed countries and support for modernization efforts under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Data Snapshot:
- China has led global goods trade for five consecutive years and ranks second in services.
- Since 2020, over US$700 billion in foreign investment have flowed into China, with outbound investment growing by over 5% annually.
- 22 pilot free trade zones have aligned with high-standard international trade rules to expand voluntary opening up.
Days earlier, China's leadership adopted recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan at the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. The aim: deepen reform and expand high-standard opening up, creating new opportunities for the Asia-Pacific and the world.
With rising uncertainties across the global economy, Xi's blueprint at APEC underscores a call for unity, openness, and shared prosperity—and sets the stage for the region's next chapter.
Reference(s):
Full text: Xi's speech at Session I of APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting
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