Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to hold bilateral talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, following his recent trade truce with US President Donald Trump.
The breakthrough understanding between Washington and Beijing has temporarily eased tensions over tariffs and rare-earth exports, offering global markets a brief sense of relief. Xi is now expected to use the momentum to stabilise China’s strained ties with key regional partners and reaffirm his call for an open cooperation and shared growth.
In his address to APEC leaders, Xi described the global economy as being at a crossroads of profound change, urging nations to reject protectionism and strengthen multilateral trade systems. His meetings with Carney and Takaichi are seen as part of a broader diplomatic outreach aimed at recalibrating China’s relationships during the shifting global alliances.
The meeting with Japan’s Takaichi will be closely watched, marking their first encounter since she took office. Tokyo and Beijing remain at odds over maritime boundaries, trade barriers, and the detention of Japanese citizens in China. Yet, both sides have signalled interest in restoring stability and maintaining open communication.
Xi’s talks with Carney also carry symbolic weight as Canada seeks to rebuild diplomatic and economic engagement with China after years of tension. Ottawa views China as vital to its goal of diversifying trade beyond the U.S., while Beijing is keen to assure partners of its continued openness despite economic headwinds.
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