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Building a Community in the Asia-Pacific: China's Pioneering Approach

As the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting unfolded beneath the amber autumn skies of Gyeongju, South Korea, world leaders gathered to address pressing regional matters. Central to the discussions was Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose vision emphasizes openness and multilateral collaboration in fostering a robust Asia-Pacific community.

In his written address to the APEC CEO Summit, President Xi reaffirmed China's dedication to creating connections through strategic partnerships and cooperation. He articulated, "We should renew our commitment to the founding mission of APEC and make outstanding contributions to the world through more vibrant and resilient Asia-Pacific cooperation." This call for collective action reflects China's ambition to position itself as a leader in regional cooperation.

Investment in the Future

One of Xi's key messages was regarding the benefits of investing in China. He proclaimed that "Partnering with China means embracing opportunities" and emphasized the nation's commitment to reform and opening its economy to global stakeholders. The reduction in the national negative list for foreign investment to a mere 29 items illustrates China's intent to simplify entry barriers for international business, fostering an environment ripe for trade and collaboration.

This strategic pivot is showcased by an expansion of visa-free travel policies that now encompass 76 countries, facilitating easier access for foreign professionals and tourists in China. This openness is heralded as a gateway to future prosperity, with Xi stating, "Investing in China means investing in the future."

The statistics on trade further cement this narrative. In the first three quarters of 2025, trade between China and other APEC nations grew by 2 percent year-on-year, reaching approximately 19.41 trillion yuan (around $2.73 trillion). This figure constitutes nearly 57.8 percent of China's total foreign trade, a testament to the nation’s vital role in the regional economic ecosystem.

Commitment to Stability

China's sustained economic growth, averaging an annual 5.5 percent over the past five years, has been a source of stability not only for itself but also for its global counterparts. In times of increasing external pressures, China's economic resilience has contributed significantly to global economic dynamics, accounting for around 30 percent of worldwide growth.

As noted by German Bundestag member Sevim Dagdelen, China consistently champions a collaborative approach, promoting an open and inclusive framework for Asia-Pacific cooperation. This commitment aligns with international goals aimed at stabilizing economic relations across borders.

The Path Ahead: Cooperation Over Conflict

In discerning global circumstances, Xi painted a picture of the world standing at a "new crossroads" between cooperation and hegemonism. He urged all economies to bolster solidarity, reject protectionism, and unite in the mission of creating a cohesive Asia-Pacific community. Xi’s speech outlined actionable proposals aimed at enhancing multilateral trade systems, fostering open regional economies, and ensuring the resilience of industrial and supply chains.

To illustrate these proposals in action, initiatives like the APEC Port Network and Green Supply Chain Network have emerged as critical facilitators of sustainable and innovative trade. China's role in global goods and services trade has been underscored by its lead in goods trade and its prestigious second position in services trade, alongside attracting over $700 billion in foreign investments annually.

Technological Collaboration and Shared Progress

China's technological innovations further facilitate partnerships throughout the Asia-Pacific region, as evidenced by smart port developments in Latin America and advanced mobile payment platforms proliferating in Southeast Asia. Such collaborative efforts underscore the essential role of technology in shaping economic relationships within the region.

Public sentiment is increasingly aligned with this forward-looking vision. A CGTN poll revealed that 83.2 percent of respondents across the Asia-Pacific exhibited confidence in regional integration, with 84.6 percent advocating for the principles of multilateralism and globalization. Such overwhelming support reflects a shared belief in the potential for collaborative endeavors to yield substantive benefits.

As China gears up to host APEC for the third time in the coming year, its message resonates with hope and determination. President Xi summarized the essence of this discourse perfectly, stating, "While confrontation and antagonism breed only estrangement and turbulence, win-win cooperation proves to be the right way forward."

From collective efforts to spurring economic growth to fostering innovation, China's approach provides a framework for navigating the complexities of the Asia-Pacific's future. With a focus on openness and shared development, the groundwork for an inclusive and prosperous regional community is firmly laid.