Trump skips major Asian economic forum, sparking concerns over U.S. global standing

Donald Trump departed the Asia‑Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit ahead of its main sessions, leaving space for Xi Jinping of China to claim the spotlight — a move analysts say highlights a shifting balance of influence in the Asia-Pacific region. Trump’s visit to South Korea lasted only a brief period and concluded before the main summit sessions began, according to diplomatic sources.
In contrast, Xi stayed on through the forum, addressed its leaders, and reinforced China’s commitment to multilateral trade cooperation.

The U.S. insists that its participation remains “very strong and robust,” despite the president’s early exit.
Observers suggest the move symbolically weakens the U.S.’s position in Asia, while China appears to be stepping into a leadership role in regional economic diplomacy. APEC represents nearly 40% of the world’s population and more than half of global merchandise trade; thus, presence and engagement at the forum carry significant diplomatic weight. By exiting early, Trump may have signalled a decreased U.S. commitment to the multilateral mechanisms that have long underpinned America’s trade leadership in the region.

Meanwhile, Xi’s active presence reinforces China’s positioning as a champion of multilateral trade, which may appeal to Asia-Pacific economies seeking stability in a volatile global environment.
This dynamic could influence how countries in the region view their strategic allegiances: a U.S. less engaged diplomatically, versus a China more visible in the leadership role.
Whether this moment marks a lasting shift in regional leadership or is a temporary blip will depend on future U.S. engagement and China’s ability to deliver tangible benefits to its partners.

For U.S. foreign policy, the key challenge will be whether to re-engage more robustly in multilateral forums or continue favoring bilateral deals and selective presence. For China, the opportunity lies in converting diplomatic visibility into economic partnerships and deeper regional trust, while managing the skepticism many in the region hold about its long-term intentions.