China Prepares to Host APEC Leaders' Summit in Shenzhen After More Than 300 Meetings in 2026
The Asia-Pacific region plays a major role in global trade and technological development. Against a backdrop of slowing economic growth and increasing risks to international supply chains, cooperation among the region's economies is becoming increasingly important.
On November 3, the 37th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting was held via video conference, focusing on preparations for the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.
The meeting was co-chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao.
In November 2026, the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen will host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.
It will mark China's third time hosting the event, following Shanghai in 2001 and Beijing in 2014.
The theme of this year's summit is “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together.”
China has identified openness, innovation and cooperation as the three priorities of APEC cooperation during its 2026 host year.
According to Wang Yi, more than 300 meetings and events have already taken place during the APEC “China Year,” producing a series of cooperation outcomes.
The foreign minister emphasized the importance of the upcoming summit for the future development of the Asia-Pacific region.
He called on APEC members to strengthen mutual respect, deepen regional integration and jointly develop an innovation ecosystem capable of supporting new sources of economic growth.
International trade and economic challenges were also central to the discussions.
Commerce Minister Wang Wentao noted that the global economy was experiencing sluggish growth while risks of fragmentation in industrial and supply chains were increasing.
He urged APEC economies to uphold free trade, promote innovation-driven development and strengthen policy coordination on digital and intelligent economic and trade rules.
China also reaffirmed its commitment to high-level opening up, equal treatment for foreign-invested enterprises and international cooperation on emerging technologies, including open-source artificial intelligence.
Representatives of APEC economies welcomed the progress achieved during China's host year and expressed their willingness to contribute to the success of the upcoming leaders' meeting.
As reported by SSTV+, China is entering the final stage of preparations for the November APEC summit in Shenzhen. More than 300 meetings and events have been held during 2026, with free trade, innovation and regional economic integration among the central priorities of the upcoming gathering.
