Xi Calls for ‘Convergence of Interests’ at APEC After Trump Meeting

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for nations to “actively seek more points of convergence of interests” in a major speech at the APEC forum in South Korea. His address, which championed open trade, followed a successful meeting with US President Donald Trump that resulted in a one-year deal.
Xi warned the assembled leaders against economic isolation. “We must adhere to the principle of joining hands rather than letting go, and extending rather than breaking supply chains,” he said, advocating for “genuine multilateralism.”
The new US-China pact provided a strong foundation for Xi’s remarks. The deal saw the US agree to slash some tariffs and export controls. China, in turn, committed to buying US soybeans and, critically, pausing new curbs on rare earth minerals.
A key element of the deal for China was a one-year US postponement of a new rule. This measure would have blocked thousands of Chinese firms with ties to sanctioned entities from accessing American technology.
Both leaders praised the outcome. Trump called the meeting “amazing,” and Xi emphasized dialogue over confrontation. They also announced future visits, with Trump planning to go to China in April and Xi to visit the US later.