China urges APEC unity as trade ministers meet in Suzhou

China's international trade envoy Li Chenggang on Friday urged Asia-Pacific economies to rally behind multilateral cooperation and "send a strong message to the world" supporting open trade, as ministers convened in Suzhou for a summit overshadowed by rising global protectionism. China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao could not attend the two-day gathering due to urgent official business, according to CNBC. The meeting opened amid mounting concerns over the impact of Washington's "America First" trade agenda on regional supply chains.

Protectionism warnings

APEC Policy Support Unit Director Carlos Kuriyama warned that protectionist responses risk deepening regional fragmentation rather than resolving underlying structural economic problems. He noted that tit-for-tat measures would undermine decades of trade integration across the Asia-Pacific. Hong Kong-based news outlet Bastille Post reported that preliminary consultations focused heavily on safeguarding the multilateral trading system and countering the "intensifying wave of trade protectionism."

Hong Kong defends WTO system

Hong Kong Commerce Secretary Algernon Yau defended the World Trade Organization-centered multilateral trading system during the proceedings and warned against imposing tariffs on electronic transmissions. A forum statement said member economies are working to strengthen digital trade systems, improve supply chain connectivity and reduce barriers to cross-border commerce throughout the two-day event.

APEC comprises 21 member economies including the United States, China, Japan, Russia and Australia. The regional forum promotes trade liberalization and economic cooperation across the Asia-Pacific, with members accounting for nearly half of global commerce.