Amid mounting trade shocks and heightened geopolitical uncertainties, President Xi Jinping is joining leaders from other APEC economies in the Republic of Korea on Friday and Saturday, in a bid to build consensus for shared prosperity and reaffirm China's commitment to open, inclusive economic globalization.

The International Monetary Fund has projected that economic growth in the Asia-Pacific will slow from 4.5 percent this year to 4.1 percent in 2026, a sobering forecast that underscores the urgency to keep the spirit of cooperation alive, and foster new drivers and growth momentum during these challenging times.

As the leaders gather once again, Xi is expected to double down on a long-held vision: an open Asia-Pacific economy. For him, this dynamic region remains the world's growth engine, a force capable of fueling the global economy moving forward.