At the recent Apec summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, Donald Trump returned to Washington before the event commenced, leaving Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in his place. This absence allowed Chinese President Xi Jinping to take a prominent role, positioning himself as a voice for regional unity and economic collaboration, contrasting with America’s “America First” approach. While Trump engaged in domestic events, Xi held a series of significant bilateral meetings, emphasizing his commitment to free and open trade.
The summit highlighted difficulties in reaching a consensus among the 21-member Apec, which is often characterized by diverse political and economic viewpoints. As leaders departed, speculation arose regarding their ability to agree on a joint communique due to existing trade tensions. A vague declaration was ultimately issued, acknowledging the need for resilience in trade but notably omitting references to multilateralism and the World Trade Organization.
Notably, Canada and China appeared to be mending their relationship, with Prime Minister Mark Carney receiving an invitation to visit China from Xi. This development was significant following tensions that arose from trade disputes and tariff conflicts under Carney’s predecessor. Both leaders described their meeting as a potential turning point in relations.
Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, also attended the summit, facing immediate scrutiny regarding her diplomatic capabilities. Her early interactions, including discussions with Xi and South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung, suggested an adherence to established diplomatic protocols. Despite a lack of significant breakthroughs, her approach signaled a capacity for pragmatic foreign policy in the face of regional challenges, including North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
These events underscore the evolving dynamics within Apec and the global economic landscape, raising questions about the future effectiveness of such multilateral gatherings.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/01/xi-jinpings-moment-and-whirlwind-diplomatic-tours-key-takeaways-from-the-apec-summit-in-south-korea