Xi: Maintaining regional peace key

During APEC speech, president stresses need to respect territorial integrity of all

President Xi Jinping highlighted on Friday the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific amid the speedy evolution of the international situation, and called for deepening the regional partnership featuring mutual trust, inclusiveness and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Xi made the remarks while addressing the two-day 29th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, which was held in Bangkok, Thailand, under the theme of "Open, Connect and Balance". Thailand, as host of this year's meeting, is working to ensure that the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, a regional economic forum with 21 member economies across the region, achieves more balanced, resilient and sustainable growth.

During his speech, Xi attributed the decades of the region's rapid growth to a peaceful and stable environment. "Today the world has come to another historical crossroads, and this has made the Asia-Pacific region even more important and prominent in its standing and role."

He underlined the need to uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.

"No one should interfere in other countries' internal affairs, and everyone should respect the development path and social system chosen independently by the people of each country. We should take seriously the legitimate security concerns of every country, and promote peaceful settlement of differences and disputes among countries through dialogue and consultation," he said.