Xi to elaborate China's views on Asia-Pacific cooperation

MANILA - The 23rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting kicked off Wednesday afternoon, with Chinese President Xi Jinping joining hands with other leaders to boost regional cooperation.

The meeting, themed "Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World," is tasked with four priorities: enhancing the regional economic integration agenda, fostering small- and medium-sized enterprises' participation in regional and global markets, investing in human capital development and building sustainable and resilient communities.

During the two-day gathering, Xi is expected to expound China's policy on cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and brief other leaders about the implementation of the consensus reached at last year's APEC meeting in Beijing.

The president is also expected to introduce the progress made in implementing the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and the opportunities the proposal brings to the region and the world.

Earlier on Wednesday, Xi delivered a keynote speech at an APEC CEO meeting.

Later in the day, Xi will attend a dialogue between the APEC leaders and representatives of the APEC Business Advisory Council as well as a welcome dinner hosted for the leaders by Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

It is the third time Xi has attended the annual regional forum. This year's meeting is being held at the Philippine International Convention Center.

As the top-level and most representative cooperation mechanism in the Asia-Pacific, the 21-member APEC has played an important role in advancing trade liberalization and facilitation, promoting economic integration and boosting connectivity.

The Asia-Pacific region, which is vital to global peace and development, accounts for 40 percent of the world population, 48 percent of world trade, and 57 percent of global output.