An ‘America First’ Message at Apec
The latest Apec senior officials’ meeting is taking place in Dalian, China, shortly before Xi Jinping travels to the United States. Washington has pledged to use the talks to advance an ‘America first’ agenda. The State Department presented U.S. leadership in Apec as a way to promote prosperity at home and across the region. Specifically, it wants to remove barriers for American businesses, encourage reciprocal trade, and support U.S. job growth.
Led by Casey Mace, the American delegation will pursue opportunities in agriculture and fisheries, energy, transport, health, and food security. In addition, the United States plans to promote service exports and supply-chain innovation. Delegates will also lead discussions about trade and labour-related matters. Therefore, Washington’s participation combines regional cooperation with concrete commercial priorities for American companies and workers.
Trade and the Xi Visit
Next month, trade is expected to become a major topic when Xi visits the United States. The trip forms part of the latest effort to stabilise bilateral relations after last year’s tariff war. Meanwhile, the current Apec discussions provide an immediate setting for economic engagement before that visit. Washington’s stated priorities also show that market access, reciprocity, and business opportunities will remain central to its regional approach.
Earlier, Xi hosted President Donald Trump in Beijing in May. That meeting produced plans for bilateral boards of trade and investment. However, the investment board has not yet begun operating. Both governments have announced mechanisms for economic dialogue, although one proposed structure remains inactive as the next presidential meeting approaches.
Dalian’s Role in the Apec Process
According to China’s foreign ministry, the Dalian meeting is the third gathering of Apec senior officials this year. It is also the largest so far. Thousands of officials are attending the talks, which are preparing the ground for the Apec summit in November. That summit will take place in Shenzhen, southern China. As a result, the current discussions connect Washington’s business agenda with a broader sequence of regional meetings hosted by China.
References
Ma, S., & Ma, S. (2026, 24 agosto). Washington pushes ‘America first’ agenda in Apec talks ahead of Chinese leader’s visit. South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3364959/washington-pushes-america-first-agenda-apec-talks-ahead-chinese-leaders-visit?share=9X2pKfDfZVkoCof8cz1gabXNe3UYzT1%2BbGvMZxavMOgssaaDX5KPMhdWVJPl9QkUDsSJkjsxXyRqc02Lp2hhljd7A0BOmlmPM%2B1De2pAWQo%3D&utm_campaign=social_share