Xi Jinping’s Vision for an Open, Inclusive Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region stands at a pivotal juncture as global economic dynamics shift and the need for cooperation becomes increasingly urgent. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), economic growth in the Asia-Pacific is projected to slow from 4.5% this year to 4.1% by 2026. This projection underscores Xi Jinping’s long-held vision of fostering an open, inclusive Asia-Pacific, an initiative he believes is crucial to the region’s role as a dynamic engine of global growth.
Championing Free Trade
Central to Xi’s vision is the promotion of free trade. APEC member economies are responsible for over 60% of the world’s GDP, making the facilitation of trade essential. Xi’s commitment to strengthening ties between China and the other 20 APEC member economies is illustrated through initiatives like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which connects 15 Asia-Pacific countries and significantly enhances economic interdependence.
Take, for example, Malaysia, where China has been the largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years. Bilateral trade hit a record high of $212 billion in 2024, showcasing the efficacy of collaboration. Xi’s visit to Malaysia highlighted his stance against unilateral tariffs and affirmed the commitment to regional economic growth through cooperation. This emphasis on mutual benefit and shared prosperity reflects Xi’s understanding that openness is a powerful engine for growth amid global economic uncertainties.
Advancing Connectivity
Xi’s vision extends beyond trade and commerce. Connectivity is another cornerstone of his strategy. During his state visit to Vietnam, discussions on a railway project aimed at bolstering trade further showcased Xi’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure links among nations. His Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aims to reshape trade routes and foster economic synergy not only within Asia but also beyond, reaching as far as Latin America through projects like the Chancay port in Peru.
Xi’s approach emphasizes stabilizing global supply chains and ensuring that nations view economic interdependence as an opportunity rather than a threat. By fostering industrial and cultural connectivity, Xi envisions an Asia-Pacific not divided by political and economic barriers but united through collaborative endeavors.
Building a Shared Community
Reflecting on APEC’s founding principles, Xi asserts that the cooperation should aim for integration within the Asia-Pacific. At the recent APEC leaders’ meeting, he reiterated a vital question: How can we create the "next golden thirty years" of development? His answer revolves around building a community with a shared future—one that prioritizes mutual respect, open dialogue, and shared success.
This commitment is not merely idealistic; it’s rooted in pragmatic approaches. Putrajaya Vision 2040 was adopted as a blueprint for an open, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific. Xi recognizes the differences among nations and stresses the importance of consultation and collaboration to tackle common challenges.
Xi has applied ancient Chinese wisdom to frame APEC as a family of economies linked by the Pacific Ocean, promoting the idea that “water benefits all things without contending.” This philosophy champions coexistence, suggesting that there is ample room in the vast Pacific for diverse nations to thrive together.
Environmental and Technological Collaboration
Furthermore, Xi’s vision includes addressing modern challenges such as climate change. Recent discussions with Brunei’s Sultan involved collaborative initiatives in climate action, digital economy, and new energy sectors. These partnerships are not solely about economic growth; they are also about establishing a framework for sustainable development and technological innovation in the Asia-Pacific.
In a world increasingly subject to fragmentation and upheaval, Xi holds that cooperation in technology and environmental initiatives can drive the region’s progress. By fostering a culture of collaboration, the Asia-Pacific can position itself as a beacon of stability in turbulent times.
Conclusion
As Xi Jinping gathers with leaders across the Asia-Pacific, his long-term vision remains clear: an open and inclusive economic environment capable of navigating and overcoming the current challenges. By championing free trade, enhancing connectivity, and promoting environmental initiatives, Xi aims to create a shared community that serves as the foundation for collective growth.
However, while these commitments are promising, they also require genuine cooperation among countries. In this era of interdependence, the true test lies in the ability of these nations to embrace Xi’s vision as a collective endeavor that prioritizes unity, collaboration, and mutual benefit. The path forward may be fraught with challenges, but the foundations of Xi’s open Asia-Pacific vision can guide the region toward achieving a brighter, more prosperous future.
