Xi Jinping Leads in Pacific Trade as U.S. Watches from Afar

At the Pacific Rim leaders' annual summit in South Korea, China's Xi Jinping advocated for free trade after securing a trade truce with the U.S. amid global economic tensions. Xi met with Japanese and Canadian leaders, while U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent represented President Trump, emphasizing trade rebalancing.

Xi Jinping took the spotlight at an annual Pacific Rim summit in South Korea, securing a trade truce with U.S. President Donald Trump and meeting Canadian and Japanese leaders. This trade agreement comes amid ongoing global economic tensions as Trump prioritized domestic events.

Portraying China as a steadfast supporter of free trade, Xi emphasized the need for cooperation among APEC members. However, skepticism remains due to China's assertive regional policies and economic dominance.

While discussions continued with Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the summit unfolded against the backdrop of recent frictions, with leaders striving to navigate geopolitical challenges and develop trade relationships.

(With inputs from agencies.)