Archive · 31 Oct 2025
Xi Jinping Projects China as Multilateralism Champion at APEC Amid US Absence
Imagine two big kids, America and China, who used to both play in the same big sandbox called APEC.
America, led by President Trump, decided to leave the sandbox and play by himself, saying the sandbox games were too slow.
So, when President Trump went home, China's leader, President Xi, stepped forward to be in charge of the sandbox games.
He told everyone to play together nicely and follow the sandbox rules, like strengthening the game store (WTO).
While America said they were still watching from nearby, it looked like China was taking the lead in organizing the big sandbox.
This made some other kids in the sandbox a little worried because they weren't sure if China's way of playing was best for everyone, especially since China sometimes used its toys (like rare earth minerals) to get its way.
Chinese President Xi Jinping positioned China as a champion of multilateralism at the APEC summit in Xi's absence.
US President Donald Trump skipped the APEC summit, highlighting a perceived vacuum in global economic leadership.
Xi Jinping urged Pacific Rim economies to embrace 'true multilateralism' and strengthen the World Trade Organization.
During his brief visit, Trump held a bilateral meeting with Xi, agreeing to ease some tariffs and resume US soybean imports to China.
Asian nations expressed wariness over China's growing influence and potential 'weaponization' of trade, despite Xi's push for cooperation.
- Who
- Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump (absent, represented by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent), and leaders of 21 Pacific Rim economies.
- What
- Xi Jinping promoted China as a leader in multilateralism at the APEC summit while US President Trump was absent, highlighting a shift in global economic leadership.
- When
- On Thursday, October 30, 2025, during the APEC summit.
- Where
- Gyeongju, South Korea.
- Why
- To address global economic leadership, promote multilateralism, and discuss trade dynamics in the absence of the US President.
US Approach ('America First')
China's Approach ('True Multilateralism')
Role of Multilateralism
US Approach ('America First')
President Trump views large multilateral gatherings like APEC as inefficient 'talk shops' and prefers bilateral negotiations and tariffs, leading to his absence from the summit.
China's Approach ('True Multilateralism')
President Xi Jinping advocates for 'true multilateralism,' strengthening the WTO, and working together in turbulent times, promoting global trade and cooperation.
Global Economic Leadership
US Approach ('America First')
The US presence is perceived as retreating from collective global forums, creating a power vacuum in global economic leadership.
China's Approach ('True Multilateralism')
China is actively seeking to fill the diplomatic space left by the US, positioning itself as the new champion of multilateralism and regional economic engagement.
Trade Strategy
US Approach ('America First')
Focus on bilateral deals, tariffs, and protecting national interests, with recent agreements including tariff easing and resumption of soybean imports.
China's Approach ('True Multilateralism')
Emphasis on safeguarding the multilateral trading system, deepening cross-border economic flows, and calling for stability in supply chains, with an upgraded free trade agreement with ASEAN.
- Event
- Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit
- Location
- Gyeongju, South Korea
- Key Attendees
- Chinese President Xi Jinping, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung
- US President's Action
- Donald Trump skipped the summit after a brief bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping
- China's Stance
- Advocating for 'true multilateralism', strengthening the WTO, and promoting global trade.
- US Stance
- Represented by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent; emphasis on bilateral negotiations and tariffs over multilateral forums.
Sources
South Korea’s Lee says global trade order at critical inflection point
Can APEC Mend Global Trade Fractures? 21 Leaders Open Summit in South Korea After Trump–Xi Deal
After Trump trade truce, Xi to hold talks with Japan and Canada: What to expect?
Xi to take spotlight at APEC summit in South Korea after trade truce with Trump
'Join Hands, Don't Let Go': Xi Jinping's First Remarks After Truce With Trump
China's Xi Jinping Promises To Protect Free Trade At APEC As Donald Trump Snubs Major Summit
US official defends participation in APEC after Trump’s early departure
Trump-Xi ‘G2’ Meet | From Busan, a question: Is the chaos of trade wars subsiding?
Analysis-As Trump skips APEC, China’s Xi fills the void with message on trade
A Day After Meeting Trump, China's Xi Promises To Protect Free Trade
China’s Xi holds court at APEC summit after Trump trade truce
APEC official says member countries working hard for consensus on trade
Factbox-Issues at stake in summit between China’s Xi and South Korea’s Lee
