<h1>APEC leaders end summit after US-China tariff pause boosts communique prospects amid trade divides, supply-chain and geopolitical risks</h1> Leaders of 21 Asia-Pacific economies concluded an APEC summit after a bilateral agreement between the US President and the Chinese President to pause tariff escalations, reducing immediate trade tensions and increasing prospects for a joint communique, though divergent national positions make unanimous endorsement of strong free-trade language uncertain. The summit highlighted competing economic strategies, supply-chain and AI workforce risks, and stalled multilateralism. Concurrent bilateral talks touching denuclearisation prompted protest from a North Korean official, underscoring geopolitical risks that could affect sanctions dynamics and future diplomatic or economic commitments among member economies.