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China’s Commitment to Openness and Multilateralism

Under the amber autumn skies of Gyeongju, South Korea, leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region convened for the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. This significant summit served as a platform for discussion on the future of the region and the common challenges it faces. The focus of the event was on China's strategic initiatives aimed at promoting openness and multilateralism, as emphasized by President Xi Jinping's vision.

President Xi presented a compelling argument for re-establishing commitment to APEC’s original mission of fostering dynamic and resilient cooperation within the Asia-Pacific. He highlighted that China remains dedicated to an open economy and shared prosperity, positing that “Investments in China signify investments into the future.” Xi’s speech wasn’t merely a reflection of policy but a vision for collective economic growth made possible through collective action.

In his address at the summit, Xi reinforced China’s commitment to comprehensive reforms and high-standard openness, promising new opportunities for the Asia-Pacific region that would emerge from China's modernization achievements. He unveiled a series of concrete measures exemplifying China's commitment, including reducing the national negative list for foreign investment to just 29 items—completely abolishing it in manufacturing. Additionally, China is currently implementing visa-free travel for 76 countries, facilitating the movement of foreign entrepreneurs, tourists, and professionals.

One of the standout points of Xi’s address was his assertion that “Partnership with China is seizing opportunity. Believing in China means being optimistic about the future. Investing in China signifies investing in the future.” This allure of shared prosperity was echoed in the statistics from the General Administration of Customs, which reported a 2% year-on-year increase in trade between China and APEC nations in the first three quarters of 2025, valued at approximately $2.73 trillion. This figure contributes a significant 57.8% to China's overall foreign trade.

Moreover, China's stable economic growth continues to provide regional and global certainty. Over the past five years, despite external shocks, China has sustained an average annual growth rate of around 5.5%, contributing to roughly 30% of global growth. Such resilience is vital as nations navigate the complexities of economic interdependence amid challenges.

The implications of China's approach towards open and inclusive cooperation in the Asia-Pacific have been recognized by global leaders. Sevim Dagdelen, a member of the German Bundestag, stated that China has continuously promoted an open framework for collaboration, essential for regional and global economic stability, underpinning the multilateral trading system central to the World Trade Organization’s paradigm.

As Xi pointed out, we find ourselves at a “new crossroads” between collaboration and hegemony. He urged all economies to strengthen solidarity and reject protectionism, advocating for unity to build a thriving Asia-Pacific community. The President posited five proposals to enhance the multilateral trading system, support an open regional economy, protect industrial resilience, advocate for digital and green trade, and ensure inclusive development benefitting all nations.

These initiatives are taking on tangible forms. China has initiated vital platforms such as the APEC Port Network and Green Supply Chain Network, becoming important nodes in digitalized and sustainable trade throughout the region. Over the past five years, China has ranked first in global goods trade and second in services trade, attracting more than $700 billion in foreign investments while maintaining a growth rate of over 5% annually.

The technological collaboration spearheaded by China continues to elevate its partners across the Asia-Pacific and beyond—from smart ports in Latin America and mobile payment systems in Southeast Asia to AI-driven efficiency projects in the Middle East and electric vehicle manufacturing in Thailand. Collectively, these endeavors create a mosaic of shared progress founded on openness and innovation.

Public sentiment reflects this perspective. A recent CGTN survey revealed that 83.2% of respondents in the Asia-Pacific expressed confidence in regional integration, while 84.6% agreed that economies should foster multilateralism and globalization.

As China prepares to host APEC for the third time next year, its message remains resoundingly clear and future-focused. Xi emphasized that while confrontation and antagonism lead only to estrangement and unrest, cooperative efforts that benefit all are the rightful path forward.

This collective movement towards coexistence and collaboration under the banner of multilateralism illustrates China's commitment to shaping a prosperous Asia-Pacific community, beneficial for the region and the world at large.