Xi's remarks at APEC event draw praise

Chinese President Xi Jinping's speeches at the APEC CEO Summit and the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting reflect China's firm belief in multilateralism and people-centered development, addressing imbalances and fostering shared prosperity, analysts said.

They said his call for building a green and digital Asia-Pacific exemplifies China's forward-thinking approach to fostering a sustainable future while continuing its role as a major engine of global economic growth.

Tahir Farooq, editor-in-chief at Daily Ittehad Media Group and Pakistan Economic Net, described the speeches as a bold and visionary road map for advancing inclusive and sustainable economic globalization.

"His emphasis on innovation as a driving force highlights China's unwavering commitment to leveraging science and technology for the collective benefit of humanity," said Farooq.

"By championing the principles of shared planning, mutual benefit, and equal representation, President Xi is calling for a reformed global economic governance system that empowers the Global South and ensures equal opportunities for all nations," he added.

Erik Solheim, former executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, said the president emphasized win-win opportunities in the Asia-Pacific, noting green development and open trade will benefit Peru, China, and the entire region.

"The opening of the new mega port in Chancay turns political visions into ground reality, drastically reducing travel time for goods between Latin America and Asia," he said.

Jasim Husain, a Gulf analyst and former member of Bahrain's parliament, said Xi's remarks at the summit are an extraordinary recognition of the importance of economic globalization.

"There is no space in this global economy for blocking trade and economic expansion under different pretexts, and no space for backpedaling on sharing advances in technology and science," he said.

Khalid Taimur Akram, executive director of the Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future in Islamabad, said Xi's speeches showcased his visionary leadership in shaping economic cooperation.

"His vision reinforces a commitment to fostering a balanced global economic system where prosperity is shared rather than concentrated," Akram said.

Akram added that the commitment to building an open, high-standard economic system reflects China's ambition to lead in fostering a stable, inclusive, and green regional economy.

"Xi's emphasis on peace, multilateralism, and open regionalism aligns with the (APEC) forum's goals, advancing the idea of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future".

Luigi Gambardella, president of China-EU, a Brussels-based international association promoting digital and high-tech cooperation between Chinese and European companies, said upholding the multilateral trading system is essential to ensure stability, fairness, and opportunity for all.

Shared prosperity

"The call to tear down barriers to the free flow of trade, investment, technology, and services is not just a call for economic efficiency, it is a call for resilience and shared prosperity," he said.

Gambardella said the emphasis on building an interconnected Asia-Pacific and reactivating APEC's role as a platform for advancing regional economic integration and connectivity can serve as a model for how international cooperation can address common challenges effectively.

Stephen Ndegwa, executive director of South-South Dialogues, a Nairobi-based communications development think tank, said Xi called for balanced and forward-looking globalization.

"Addressing pressing issues of fragmentation and unilateralism in global economic systems, Xi positioned China as a steadfast advocate for multilateralism, equity, and innovation-driven growth," he said.

His focus on reforming global economic governance to reflect the growing clout of the Global South was particularly significant, he said.

"Ultimately, Xi's address was both aspirational and pragmatic, offering a framework to navigate turbulent times. By championing mutual respect, inclusivity, and sustainability, Xi calls on the world to embrace a globalization that empowers humanity."

Adhere Cavince, a scholar of international relations with a focus on China-Africa development cooperation, said that China, like many developing countries around the world, has experienced the impacts of unequal, unjust, and less inclusive global governance systems.

"It is for this reason that many countries, particularly in the Global South, identify with Beijing's advocacy for the reforms of global economic governance frameworks," he said.

Jan Yumul in Hong Kong contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at vivienxu@chinadailyapac.com.