Xi warns against patchy global trade regime

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned on Monday against a world trade regime fragmented by various free trade arrangements, calling for determination to conclude the long-stalled Doha Round of global trade talks.

Xi made the remarks at the 21st informal economic leaders' meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in the Indonesian resort island of Bali.

He noted that while the international community are working to push forward the Doha Round, various free trade arrangements in the Asia-Pacific are advancing in parallel, each with different rules, standards and preferred pathway.

Against this backdrop, Xi called on APEC members to promote economic integration of the Asia-Pacific through synergy.

China believes that "any arrangement should lead to a cooperative relationship, not a confrontational one, an open mindset, not an exclusive one, win-win results, not a zero-sum outcome, and integration, not fragmentation," he said.

The Chinese president pointed out that regional free trade arrangements should keep APEC leaders informed of the progress made in their negotiations and results achieved in this regard, and improve communication and exchange of views to create favorable conditions for the eventual realization of a free trade area of the Asia-Pacific.

He also called on APEC members to stay committed to open development and resolutely oppose trade protectionism.

The developed members should set a good example in opening their markets wider, give higher priority to economic and technical cooperation, and help developing members enhance their competitiveness, he said.

As regards the Doha Round, Xi urged APEC members to inject new impetus to multilateral trading regime with firm confidence.

APEC has been a staunch supporter of the Doha Round negotiations, Xi noted, saying that the members must have the courage to assume their responsibilities and send a strong political signal for advancing the talks.

"We should give our trade ministers more political guidance and flexibility, and encourage the parties to achieve an early harvest," he said.