Xi Urges Openness and Inclusivity in Asia-Pacific Region at APEC Summit

In his speech to the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting on Nov. 16, President Xi Jinping underlined three main points of importance. The first was to maintain an open and inclusive trading system in the Asia-Pacific region. The second was to maintain an emphasis on making “green innovation” a catalyst of economic development. “We need to firmly seize the opportunities presented by the new round of sci-tech revolution and industrial transformation, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum information, life and health, and other frontier areas,” Xi said. And thirdly, he underlined the need to uphold a universally beneficial and inclusive vision for Asia-Pacific development. “China welcomes this effort which dovetails with our development philosophy of putting people first, promoting social fairness and justice and improving the people’s well-being. China will advance initiatives through the APEC platform on increasing residents’ income and promoting the industrial cluster development of small- and medium-sized enterprises, for the purpose of bringing about universally beneficial and inclusive development of Asia-Pacific economies,” Xi said.