APEC 2025 in South Korea concludes—Xi urges Asia-Pacific unity as global growth stalls

On November 1, 2025, the 32nd informal leaders’ meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) concluded in Gyeongju, South Korea, where Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech titled "Together toward a sustainable and brighter tomorrow." Xi warned that the world currently faces a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, yet global growth is weakening, development deficits are widening, and challenges such as climate change, food and energy security are increasingly severe. He called on Asia-Pacific economies to deepen mutual cooperation, harness digital, intelligent, and green development opportunities, and build an open, innovation-driven regional economy.

Emphasising orderly data flows, technology openness and green transition, Xi’s proposals carry implications for global supply chains, technology standards, and climate resilience—highlighting the rising strategic importance of Asia-Pacific cooperation in shaping post-pandemic global economic governance.