According to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, the president’s participation is a significant high-level diplomatic action in line with Beijing’s importance in cooperating with the region. “With global growth slowing and new challenges for regional cooperation, APEC remains a foundation for the development of Asia-Pacific, with expectations that it will continue to drive global progress,” she added.

Mao announced that Xi would present important measures for China’s openness and reform at the summit, in addition to the country’s positions to strengthen cooperation in the region.

According to the spokeswoman, the Chinese delegation will seek to work together with participating nations to implement the “Putrajaya Vision 2040” with a view to promoting regional integration and fostering the development of Asia-Pacific and the world.

Later, the leader will travel to Brazil for the 19th G20 Summit and pay a state visit to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

China recently highlighted the progress in building a community of shared destiny between China and Latin America and the Caribbean over the past 10 years. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that both sides held high the banner of peace, development and cooperation, achieved the connection between their national strategies and accelerated the benefits of their joint projects. The two regions defended authentic multilateralism and promoted more equitable and fair global governance, he said, adding that in economic terms, China is the second largest trading partner of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the main one for several countries in the region.

Official data show that China has so far signed free trade agreements with five nations and worked with 22 countries under the Belt and Road Initiative.

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