Power shift Xi takes lead after Trump departs before key talks

The leaders of countries across the Asia-Pacific wrapped up their summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, after a week dominated by trade talks between the US president, Donald Trump, and the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping.

- Justin McCurry GYEONGJU

With Trump flying back to Washington on the eve of the main summit, what did Apec's remaining leaders - who represent 40% of the world's population and about 50% of its trade - achieve in his absence?

After Trump went awol, this was Xi's moment

Having dominated the headlines for several days during visits to Malaysia, Japan and South Korea, Trump left his treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, to do his bidding. Whether by accident or design, Trump's absence allowed Xi to fill the void and position himself as a unifying voice and champion of the region's economic interests, and an alternative to “America first” protectionism.