![]() ![]() The region cannot and should not be an arena for geopolitical rivalry, still less should it be plunged into a new cold war or camp-based confrontation. Charter, and follow the right norms for state-to-state relations to maintain Asia-Pacific prosperity and stability through dialogue and partnership rather than confrontation and alliance. We should jointly uphold the purposes and principles of the U.N. ![]() Peace does not come by easily, and development is a long and arduous task. San Francisco, where the United Nations Charter was signed, embodies the noble aspiration of all peoples for peace across the world. As an ancient Chinese scholar observed, “Plants with strong roots grow well, and efforts with the right focus ensure success.” We should stay committed to APEC’s founding mission, never forget our mission bestowed by history, and move to relaunch Asia-Pacific cooperation. Where will Asia-Pacific cooperation be headed in the next 30 years? This is a new question of the times facing us. Destabilizing, uncertain and unpredictable factors are increasing. The momentum of world economic growth is sluggish. The world has entered a new period of turbulence and change. This has enabled us to turn diversity in membership into momentum for cooperation and make collective progress through tapping into complementarity. Our success was possible because we have followed the underlying trend, kept the larger picture in mind, and capitalized on the spirit of partnership featuring harmony without uniformity, and solidarity and mutual assistance. Over the past three decades, we have properly tackled major challenges such as the Asian and international financial crises, and have sustained the momentum of economic development in the Asia-Pacific. Seeking common ground while shelving differences is the best practice of Asia-Pacific cooperation. Economies in the region have different histories and cultures and are in different stages of development.įorcing uniformity will not advance cooperation in the region seeking common ground while shelving differences is the right way forward. This is an important contribution to human progress and global sustainable development. Over the past three decades, per capita income in the Asia-Pacific has more than quadrupled, and one billion people have been lifted out of poverty. We jointly developed “the APEC Approach” based on the principles of voluntarism, consensus-building and incremental progress, and we respect the right to development of all members. We have stayed focused on development and continually deepened economic and technical cooperation, thus strengthening the ability of developing members to achieve self-development. Development for all is the overarching goal of Asia-Pacific cooperation. Development is an eternal pursuit in our region. ![]() Over the past three decades, the Asia-Pacific has cut its average tariff rate from 17 percent to 5 percent, and contributed 70 percent of global economic growth. We have stayed committed to open regionalism, jointly formulated the Bogor Goals and the Putrajaya Vision, promoted trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and bolstered economic integration of the region. Openness and inclusiveness are the defining feature of Asia-Pacific cooperation. Development in our region has been achieved not through provoking antagonism and confrontation, pursuing a beggar-thy-neighbor policy, or erecting high fences around a small yard, but by staying open and inclusive and drawing on each other’s strengths. There is so much we can draw from this remarkable journey of Asia-Pacific cooperation. This major decision enabled Asia-Pacific development and economic globalization to embark on a fast track of growth, turning the region into a powerhouse for world economic growth, an anchor of stability for global development, and a pacesetter for international cooperation. They agreed unanimously to rise above the outdated mentality of bloc confrontation and zero-sum game, deepen economic cooperation and integration in the region, and build a dynamic, harmonious and prosperous Asia-Pacific community. In response, they followed the trend toward peace and development, and convened the inaugural APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. Three decades ago, where humanity should be headed in the post-Cold War era was the question of the world, of history and of the times in front of Asia-Pacific leaders. I visited San Francisco many years ago, and I was deeply impressed by the openness, inclusiveness and creativity which this beautiful city is famous for. It gives me great pleasure to be invited to address the APEC CEO Summit. Representatives of the Business Community, Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends, Xi Jinping President of the People’s Republic of China At the APEC CEO Summit ![]()
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