Joint effort urged to meet challenges facing Asia-Pacific

President Xi Jinping proposed on Saturday building an open and interconnected paradigm for Asia-Pacific cooperation, with efforts to advance regional economic integration and "tear down the walls" impeding the flow of trade, investment, technology and services.

Addressing the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, Xi called on Asia-Pacific countries to act in solidarity and cooperation to meet the challenges facing Asia-Pacific cooperation, such as rising tendencies of geopolitics, unilateralism and protectionism.

"At this historic crossroads, we Asia-Pacific countries carry greater responsibilities on our shoulders," he said in the speech.