APEC Summit: Trump's Truce with Xi Steals the Limelight

The APEC summit concludes after a temporary US-China trade truce, overshadowing discussions on global trade and regional cooperation. President Xi Jinping positions China as a trade leader amidst fading multilateralism, while South Korea's agenda on denuclearization angers North Korea, highlighting geopolitical tensions.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit concluded in Gyeongju, South Korea, amidst a significant backdrop: a temporary truce between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on their ongoing trade war. This agreement brought relief to global markets and shifted the summit's focus.

Xi Jinping emphasized China's commitment to global free trade and supply chain stability during APEC's opening session, seeking to position China as a leader in contrast to Trump's protectionist stance. Simultaneously, South Korea's efforts to address denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula sparked ire in North Korea.

As the summit wrapped up, the discussion evolved towards artificial intelligence, demographic changes, and innovative growth strategies. South Korea pushed for a joint declaration supporting free trade, but the proposal was challenged by various members' differing views, reflecting deeper geopolitical fractures.

(With inputs from agencies.)