Chinese President Xi Jinping called for efforts to promote economic globalization and multilateralism at an international economic forum on Friday, as his country positions itself as the defender of free trade systems that observers say are hurt by President Donald Trump’s tariff hikes and “America first” policy.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping told Asia-Pacific leaders on Friday that his country would help to defend global free trade at an annual economic regional forum snubbed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that Shenzhen will host the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, marking China’s third time as APEC chair. Expressing gratitude for the transfer of presidency, Xi hailed Shenzhen as a “miracle in world development” and a “window of China’s opening-up.

In his keynote address, Xi said that Asia must remain united through cooperation rather than division. Taking a subtle swipe at the Western strategy of moving factories out of China.

China may be preparing to ease restrictions on Korean pop culture, a South Korean lawmaker said yesterday, citing a positive response from Chinese President

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in South Korea on Thursday to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and hold talks with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump on high-profile issues ranging from tariffs to security.