Say no to confrontation and division: China Daily editorial

China has realized its goal of building the country into a moderately well-off society in all respects, with abject poverty eliminated in the country. And China's transformation of its economic structure and upgrading of its manufacturing industry along with its huge market are providing fresh opportunities for other countries, meaning it remains a strong driver for the regional economy.

But the good momentum of economic development in the Asia-Pacific region is in danger of being slowed by speed bumps unless joint efforts are made to maintain regional stability and promote inclusive cooperation.

Emboldened by the support of some US politicians, secessionists in Taiwan have been maneuvering for the island's "independence", greatly increasing tensions across the Taiwan Straits.

Such tensions are being exacerbated by the military presence of a growing number of Western countries in the region and the efforts of this United States-led club to force Asia-Pacific countries to join them in their efforts to contain China.

There is a need for those countries whose membership is being solicited to realize the dangers to themselves and the region as a whole should they join this clique.

The whole region will suffer if the confrontation between China and this US-led club intensifies.

Which is why President Xi Jinping in his speech at the APEC CEO meeting on Thursday cautioned against the Asia-Pacific region relapsing into the confrontation and division of the Cold War era.

The region has been able to overcome crises by pulling together and extending helping hands to one another in times of trouble and it should not allow itself to become divided or diverted from its course at this critical juncture. Saying no to geopolitical games is in the fundamental interests of all countries in the Asia-Pacific and in the interest of the world at large.

In stark contrast to his warning of the roiling of the region by the club of Western countries, Xi expressed confidence in a bright and sustainable future for the region if it continues to uphold the Asia-Pacific partnership based on mutual trust, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation.

Although the journey to economic recovery remains a difficult and tortuous one, the Asia-Pacific economy remains resilient and robust, and by supporting each other and stepping up cooperation, countries in the Asia-Pacific can look ahead with confidence.

As Xi said, it is "the responsibility of all in the region to be promoters of and contributors to unity and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific family".

Working together, all countries can pursue green, low-carbon and sustainable development and by rejecting discrimination and exclusion realize an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future.