Xi Jinping attends APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, holds multiple bilats

Xi Jinping just wrapped up a big few days of diplomatic wheeling and dealing.

While US President Donald Trump jetted home following the October 30 summit with Xi in Busan, South Korea, the big man made his way to the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju (October 31-November 1).

His message: Stronger economic integration with China is the surest path to regional stability.

In a meeting with Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi, Xi said the two countries should be “partners, not threats,” and called for deeper cooperation (MoFA 1).

• Takaichi struck a similar note, but flagged concerns over a host of hot-button issues, pressing Xi to lift agricultural and seafood import restrictions (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan).

In his meeting with Canadian PM Mark Carney, Xi said China-Canada ties are “beginning to recover and improve,” with scope to expand practical cooperation across the economy, trade, and energy (MoFA 2).

• Canada called the meeting a “turning point,” and said the two discussed solutions to multiple trade irritants, notably canola, seafood, and electric vehicles (Prime Minister of Canada's Office).

In his meeting with Thai PM Anutin Charnviraku, Xi highlighted the two countries' “bond as close as one family,” calling for deeper cooperation in ag trade, green economy, anti-telecom fraud and online gambling, and accelerating the construction of the China-Thailand railway (MoFA 3).

In his meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, the two leaders presided over the signing of a package of cooperation documents spanning trade, finance, agriculture, law enforcement, and tech and innovation (MoFA 4).

• Lee said the meeting had “helped fully restore our bilateral relationship" (The Korea Herald).

The big man also found time to catch up with leaders of Australia, Vietnam, and the Philippines – and deliver a speech touting China's vision of “true multilateralism.”

Get smart: Xi’s APEC charm offensive is a major diplomatic win.

• Beijing’s willingness to engage friends, foes, and frenemies alike shows China to be a stabilizing force and reliable partner – in stark contrast to the US.