Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Asia-Pacific nations to practice “genuine multilateralism” in a major speech at the APEC forum in Gyeongju, South Korea. His address, which warned against “breaking supply chains,” came just a day after he sealed a truce with US President Donald Trump.
Xi urged the member nations to “actively seek more points of convergence of interests” and to “support the opening up and development of supply chains.” His central message was one of integration: “We must adhere to the principle of joining hands rather than letting go.”
This diplomatic outreach followed a successful meeting with Trump that resulted in a one-year deal. The US agreed to cut some tariffs and export controls, while China agreed to buy US soybeans and pause new rare earth curbs.
The deal also saw the US pause a damaging tech restriction measure for one year, a key demand from Beijing. This rule would have targeted thousands of Chinese firms.
The new, positive tone was underscored by the leaders’ comments. Trump called the meeting “amazing,” and Xi, who said “dialogue is always better than confrontation,” announced he would visit the US after Trump’s planned trip to China in April.