00:00Chinese leader Xi Jinping told Asia-Pacific leaders that China would help defend global free trade,
00:07taking center stage at the annual APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea.
00:12The meeting was largely overshadowed by the U.S. President Donald Trump,
00:16who skipped the forum, leaving a day earlier after holding a separate meeting with Xi,
00:21aimed at easing the escalating trade war.
00:23Trump's decision to skip APEC reflects his well-known dislike for large multi-nation forums.
00:32But his absence risks damaging America's reputation at a summit representing more than half of global trade.
00:39At APEC's opening session, Xi defended multilateralism,
00:42telling leaders that in turbulent times, nations must cooperate more than ever.
00:47He stressed the importance of keeping supply chains stable, responding to U.S. moves to decouple from China.
00:53And called for more cooperation in green industries and clean energy,
00:57even as some warn Chinese exports in sectors like solar panels and electric vehicles can flood global markets.
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