APEC in Beijing: against protectionism, for free trade — China takes the lead in stabilising supply chains
60% of global GDP, a third of the world's population, the revival of the transport infrastructure working group after an 8-year hiatus, support for the WTO and RCEP. Participants rejected unilateral measures, while China confirmed its leadership in the digital economy (10.5% of GDP) and AI (1.2 trillion yuan).
As reported by CCTV+, on Sunday the APEC China CEOs Forum, the flagship event of the APEC "China Year", opened in Beijing. Participants reaffirmed their support for the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. They also expressed opposition to unilateral measures and protectionism, advocating for trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation.
Through joint efforts by China and other member economies, the APEC Business Advisory Council officially reactivated the Transport Infrastructure Working Group after an eight‑year hiatus. The council also issued two statements in support of the Free Trade Area of the Asia‑Pacific (FTAAP) and transport infrastructure development. Ren Hongbin, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, said: "This fully demonstrates the common desire of all parties to strengthen connectivity across all dimensions. We must fully and effectively utilise regional free trade agreements such as RCEP, promote the development of an updated APEC connectivity blueprint, and continuously strengthen both hard and soft infrastructure, as well as people‑to‑people ties. These efforts will facilitate the safe and orderly movement of people, goods, capital and data, ultimately strengthening production and supply chains."
As a key engine of global economic growth, the Asia‑Pacific region accounts for one‑third of the world's population, generates over 60% of global economic output and accounts for nearly half of global trade. Participants discussed current issues in regional economic and trade cooperation, including regional economic integration, connectivity and artificial intelligence. Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat, said: "Supply chain and transport infrastructure development is a standing item for APEC. Over the past five years, we have delivered 185 capacity‑building projects, conducted over 300 policy dialogues on supply chains, and around 200 projects on transport infrastructure. I encourage you not only to advocate your recommendations but also to participate in all our efforts to ensure that APEC's work enhances supply chain resilience for sustainable growth."
Data shows that in 2025, the value‑added of China's core digital economy industries exceeded 10.5% of GDP, while the scale of its core AI industry surpassed 1.2 trillion yuan. Participants recognised China's industrial strengths in digital technology, advanced manufacturing and new energy, aiming to strengthen the competitiveness of production chains while ensuring stable supplies to global markets. They highlighted China's proactive approach to open supply chain cooperation and its willingness to share "China opportunities" with the international community. Jennifer Jordan‑Saifi, CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, said: "Whether it is innovation or the 'green' transition, China is now leading globally and is a backbone for any business. All our supply chains around the world are interconnected, and China is a very important and reliable partner for all these chains."
APEC (Asia‑Pacific Economic Cooperation) is a forum of 21 economies accounting for about 60% of global GDP and half of world trade. FTAAP is a long‑term goal of APEC. RCEP is the world's largest free trade agreement. The reactivation of the Transport Infrastructure Working Group after eight years is a significant signal that regional economies are ready for concrete steps to strengthen connectivity. China's digital economy has already exceeded 10% of GDP, and its AI sector has surpassed 1.2 trillion yuan, making the country a key player in the region's technological transformation.
When 21 economies generating 60% of the world's wealth gather in Beijing to say "no" to protectionism and "yes" to free trade, it is not just diplomatic ritual. It is a bid for a new world order — where supply chains are strengthened, not broken, where transport corridors connect rather than divide, and where artificial intelligence serves the common good. Eight years of silence on the transport working group are behind us. Ahead lie years of joint work. And when China offers its digital technologies and green innovations as a common foundation, it reminds us: the future is not built alone. It is built around one table.
