1. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit started in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 31, 2025, with leaders discussing critical issues affecting the global trade order.
2. Key topics at this year's meeting include artificial intelligence, aging societies, and declining birthrates, but achieving a consensus on trade policy is a major focus due to Washington's tariff pressures.
3. Notable attendees include Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae. President Xi called for efforts to safeguard the multilateral trading system, while PM Takaichi aims to build stable ties with China and address Japan's concerns over China's maritime activities and trade pressures.