South Korea Hosts Xi Jinping as APEC Summit Concludes with Focus on Trade and Cooperation

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit concluded on Friday with member nations reaffirming their commitment to open trade and regional stability amid growing global economic uncertainty. The summit, hosted by South Korea, also marked a diplomatic milestone as Chinese President Xi Jinping made his first visit to the country in over a decade.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung welcomed Xi with a state banquet and high-level bilateral talks, underscoring Seoul’s efforts to recalibrate ties with Beijing after years of strained relations over security and trade issues. Lee said South Korea sought to “find a path of cooperation beneficial to both nations,” signalling a pragmatic shift from containment to engagement with China.

Xi’s visit comes at a critical time as Asia-Pacific economies navigate tensions between the United States and China. Beijing, facing slowing growth and global pushback against its trade practices, used the APEC platform to position itself as a defender of open markets. Xi announced that China will host the 2026 APEC summit in Shenzhen, framing it as part of a renewed effort to champion multilateralism.

During talks, Lee urged Xi to use China’s influence to help restore dialogue with North Korea amid heightened regional security risks. While Xi emphasized cooperation and stability, Chinese state media made only brief references to Pyongyang, highlighting Beijing’s cautious approach to the Korean Peninsula issue.
A significant takeaway from the summit was Xi’s proposal to establish a “World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization,” aimed at creating global standards for AI development and governance. The proposal reflects China’s ambition to lead in emerging technologies and shape international rules in areas increasingly seen as strategic battlegrounds.

The 2025 APEC declaration emphasized inclusive growth, digital innovation, and sustainable development, while also acknowledging disruptions to global supply chains and the shifting nature of trade alliances. Analysts said the summit reflected the changing global order, with countries prioritizing bilateral and regional trade frameworks as confidence in traditional multilateral institutions like the World Trade Organization wanes.
For South Korea, Xi’s visit signalled a diplomatic reset and potential opening for renewed cooperation on trade, tourism, and regional security. For China, it offered an opportunity to project stability and diplomatic outreach amid escalating tensions with Western powers.
The APEC meeting concluded with cautious optimism — a shared recognition among members that deeper cooperation remains vital in an era of geopolitical fragmentation and technological transformation.