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Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec)

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec)
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or Apec, is an intergovernmental organisation intended to promote free trade among its 21 members located in the Asia-Pacific region, including China and the United States.
US President Donald Trump, left, and President Xi Jinping speak as they leave after a bilateral meeting at Gimhae International Airport on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Busan, South Korea, on October 30. Photo: Reuters
Trade

Outside In | As the US pursues unilateralism, China faces challenging task as Apec host

China’s return as Apec chair is an opportunity to show that both the organisation and its message of multilateralism are as relevant as ever.

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Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong to host Apec finance ministers’ meeting in October 2026

South Korea

Stale food, tiny rooms, falling badges: South Korean police blast Apec mess

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US-China trade war

The View | Busan truce foreshadows turning of tide in US-China power balance

What has become evident is that the US needs other countries to agree to its plans and help enforce them, while China is strong enough to act on its own.

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US President Donald Trump (left) and President Xi Jinping greet each other as they arrive for talks at the Gimhae Air Base, located next to the Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, on October 30. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong society

Letters | Legislative Council is no ivory tower. It’s the leaky window in your flat

Readers call on Hongkongers to vote in the coming Legco election, propose extending visa-free travel to boost regional trade, and highlight the double standards in Western diplomacy.

North Korea

Reign check: is North Korea’s Kim Jong-un preparing daughter to take power?

South Korea’s intelligence agency says the 12-year-old Ju-ae is consolidating her position as a potential heir but analysts are doubtful.

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Shenzhen

Taiwan can join Apec summit if it sticks to one-China principle, Beijing says

Taipei claims ‘numerous conditions’ have been imposed on its attendance at next year’s meeting in Shenzhen.

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Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Beijing’s position was “clear and firm” on the issue. Photo: AP
China trade

China pushes for trilateral trade pact with Japan, South Korea amid US tension

Divergent interests, new governments and Washington’s influence complicate Beijing’s efforts to forge deeper economic ties with Japan and South Korea.

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US-China relations

Opinion | Following the Xi-Trump summit, is the G2 back on track?

While alternating confrontation and negotiation seems to be the new normal, the summit holds out the possibility of a recalibration of the US-China relationship.

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US-China relations

Xi-Trump meeting ‘a historic moment’ that will help avoid missteps: Wang Yi

As China prepares for Apec summit next year, Wang Yi says advances in host city Shenzhen showcase extent of China’s reforms.

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On October 30, 2025 presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping met in South Korea, a meeting China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi says is believed to mark “the start of a more stable and manageable period in bilateral relations”. Photo: Xinhua
China-South Korea relations

US-China rivalry leaves Asia walking G2 tightrope

South Korea and Japan both tried to balance relations with the US and China during Apec week, reflecting increasing complexity in Asia-Pacific diplomacy.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photo: Yonhap via AP
South Korea

‘Not funny’: South Koreans unamused by US jokes about Trump’s gold crown gift

The social media responses reveal lingering resentment in South Korea over US tariffs and labour issues.

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China-Japan relations

Beijing criticises new Japanese PM Takaichi for meeting Taiwanese official

Sanae Takaichi posted photos of herself meeting adviser Lin Hsin-i on the sidelines of Apec summit in South Korea.

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Xi Jinping

Robust trade is vital, Apec says in joint integration pledge

Group ends South Korea summit with commitment to growth that benefits all.

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Apec leaders ended two days of meetings in Gyeongju, South Korea, with a call to uphold trade and investment. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong leader John Lee vows full support for Apec meeting in Shenzhen

City leader also reveals new initiatives to foster closer ties with Asean countries, including a high-level official visit to Singapore.

John Lee (centre), with Director-General of Trade and Industry Aaron Liu and Chief Executive’s Office director Carol Yip, in Gyeongju. Photo: Hong Kong
Diplomacy

Macroscope | To Trump, Asean and Apec are simply platforms for his own agenda

Leaders of superpowers should not use regional multilateral summits to advance their own interests, overshadowing the vital work of other nations.

Shenzhen

China to host 2026 Apec meeting in Shenzhen, ‘vigorously’ push AI cooperation

President Xi Jinping makes the announcement as world leaders wrap up this year’s summit in South Korea.

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China-Canada relations

Xi-Carney talks open door for Canada to ‘make up for lost time’ with China

After years of tension, China’s president says ties with Ottawa are on a ‘trend of recovery’ following the leaders’ meeting.

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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the start of a meeting in Gyeongju on Friday. Both sides hailed the meeting as a turning point in what has been a fractious relationship. Photo: Xinhua
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong will uphold global trading rules, John Lee pledges at Apec gathering

John Lee chats with President Xi Jinping ahead of Apec economic leaders’ dialogue and later meets IMF managing director, country leaders.

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China-Japan relations

Xi tells new Japanese PM that conflicts should not define their ties

At first sit-down meeting with Sanae Takaichi, Chinese leader says the two countries should focus on the bigger picture to manage differences.

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United States

Outside In | Trump’s unilateralism in Asia makes ‘world minus one’ clear

While the US president’s trip to the region coincided with multilateral summits, he was clearly more interested in bilateral deals.

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US President Donald Trump looks on as people wave Malaysian national flags before he departs on Air Force One from Kuala Lumpur International Airport on October 27. Photo: AFP
South Korea

Nvidia, Samsung chiefs bond over Korean fried chicken, lifting snack stocks

Jensen Huang also met Hyundai boss Chung Eui-sun at a restaurant and handed out chicken to onlookers gathered outside.

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Samsung Electronics boss Jay Y. Lee, Hyundai Motor’s Chung Eui-sun and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at a chicken restaurant in Seoul on Thursday. Photo: Yonhap/AFP
South Korea

China’s Xi Jinping addresses Apec with call to protect global supply chains

The Chinese president tells Asia-Pacific forum leaders’ meeting that countries need to join hands in the face of uncertainties.

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Taiwan

What does the Xi-Trump summit’s silence on Taiwan mean?

The self-ruled island is less of a priority for the US leader and could affect others playing the ‘Taiwan card’, analysts say.

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China-South Korea relations

South Korea’s Lee urges ‘friendly competition’ with China ahead of Xi meeting

Lee Jae-myung says Seoul aims to work with Beijing based on ‘equal cooperation’ to advance trade, supply chains and exchanges.

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South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is expected to hold a summit with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Saturday in the coastal city of Gyeongju, South Korea. Photo: Reuters
Thailand

Thailand chases ‘better’ deal with Trump after signing Cambodia ceasefire

Thai PM Anutin hopes the peace pact – a win for Trump – will incentivise the US to give Bangkok more favourable trade conditions.

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Activists wear masks of Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (left) and US President Donald Trump during a protest against an MOU between the two sides outside the US embassy in Bangkok on Thursday. Photo: AP
US-China trade war

Democrats urge Trump not to ease national security restrictions for a trade deal

A group of Senate Democrats led by Chuck Schumer warns Trump not to compromise America’s security partnerships or risk Taiwan’s independence.

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Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong leader John Lee eyes Apec opportunities as he lands in Korea for forum

Chief executive will join economic leaders’ meeting and plans to share city’s experience in areas such as investment promotion and AI.

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