China is calling on the Asia-Pacific zone to support its free trade proposals to face President-elect Donald Trump’s protectionist position.
The creation of an Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area (FTAA) is a key, strategic initiative for the long-term prosperity of the region. We will not close the door to the outside world but open it wider,
stated Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru.
Indirectly, Xi is planting himself before Trump and his electoral promises to protect US jobs against the cheaper labor of China or Mexico. Trump will take office on January 20th.
Trump has focused on the Transpacific Agreement (TPP), signed in 2015 among 12 countries with the support of outgoing, American President Barack Obama, who is also participating in the summit in Lima.
The Chinese leader plans to hold a bilateral meeting with Obama in Lima.
In addition, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto said he will give priority to dialogue with the new US president, who was hostile toward Mexico in the election campaign.