Today's Edition
GYEONGJU (REUTERS)
Facing deepening fractures in the global trade order, Asia-Pacific leaders adopted a joint declaration that emphasised the need for resilience and shared benefits in trade at the end of the annual APEC summit on Saturday.
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders summit was hosted by South Korea this year. Ahead of the gathering, US President Donald Trump announced trade deals with a number of countries, including China and South Korea, but left before the summit kicked off.
At the meet, China positioned itself as a steady advocate of free and open trade. China will host APEC in Shenzhen in 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced.
China's Xi will wrap up his three-day visit to South Korea on Saturday with a state dinner and summit hosted by President Lee Jae Myung. This is Xi's first visit to South Korea in 11 years.
Earlier this week, Lee also hosted Trump for a rushed state visit, showering him with gifts and praise before announcing a surprise trade deal aimed at lowering US tariffs in return for billions of dollars in South Korean investment in the US.
