Chinese leader Xi Jinping told Asia-Pacific leaders on Friday that his country would help to defend global free trade at an annual economic regional forum snubbed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

President Marcos walked up to Chinese President Xi Jinping and shook his hand in an impromptu gesture on Saturday (Nov 1), surprising the Chinese leader during a brief lull at the ceremonial handover of next year’s chairmanship of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) from South Korea to China.

Leaders at the APEC summit focused on global AI regulations, South Korea-China-North Korea relations, and trade cooperation. Ukraine's conflict intensifies while Venezuela faces U.S. actions, and Syria battles internal government tensions amid luxury.

Chinese President Xi Jinping took centrestage at a meeting of APEC leaders on Saturday to push a proposal for a global body to govern artificial intelligence and position China as an alternative to the United States on trade cooperation.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shook hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the handover ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) chairmanship on Saturday. China will chair the Apec Summit in 2026.

G-DRAGONs APEC Performance Impresses Xi Jinping, Lee Jae-myung K-pop star becomes sole artist at leaders dinner, captivating global attendees with innovative stage