Xi calls on APEC members to stick to innovation, openness to boost regional development

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members to continue to focus on innovation, openness and green development, as well as inclusiveness and mutual benefits, to promote regional development.

Xi, speaking at the APEC Economic Leaders' Retreat on Friday in San Francisco, the United States, urged APEC members to stay committed to innovation-driven development. He said it is important to follow the trends of scientific and technological advancement, more proactively promote exchanges and cooperation in science and technology, and work together for an open, fair, equitable and non-discriminatory environment for scientific and technological progress.

The president also stressed the importance of staying committed to openness in development. He called on APEC members to promote free and open trade and investment, support and strengthen the World Trade Organization-centered multilateral trading regime, and keep global industrial and supply chains open and stable, and urged members to say no to any attempt to politicize, weaponize or impose security implications on economic and trade issues.

It is necessary to stay committed to green development, Xi added, and imperative to continue to promote harmony between man and nature, accelerate the transition to green and low-carbon development, and see to it that reducing carbon emissions and mitigating pollution operate in parallel with expanding green transition and promoting economic growth.

The president also emphasized the importance of staying committed to inclusive development that delivers benefits to all.

It is imperative to fully implement the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, put development back on the international agenda as a central priority, develop greater synergy in our development strategies, and work together to resolve the global development deficit, Xi said.

He added that China remains committed to peaceful development, and said the fundamental purpose of the country's development is to enable the Chinese people to live a good life, not to replace anyone.

"We will pursue high quality development and openness. Chinese modernization could help to contribute to the modernization of the world at large in this new era," Xi, who noted that this year marks the 45th anniversary of China's reform and opening up, said.

He also called for joint efforts to promote Asia-Pacific cooperation to achieve more fruitful results and to build another "golden 30 years" of Asia-Pacific cooperation.

(With input from Xinhua)