ASIATODAY.ID, SHENZHEN — China has formally taken the lead in shaping the direction of APEC 2026, positioning artificial intelligence (AI) and Asia-Pacific free trade as core priorities, while issuing a clear warning against rising global protectionism and anti-globalization pressures.
Speaking at the APEC Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting in Shenzhen, Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said the Asia-Pacific region faces mounting economic uncertainty amid slowing global growth and fragmented trade policies.
“Rising protectionism and anti-globalization trends have created significant uncertainty and challenges, placing pressure on economic growth and leaving complex issues that are increasingly difficult to resolve,” Ma said on December 12, 2025.
“Strengthening policy coordination and sustaining Asia-Pacific economic growth has become an urgent and serious test for all APEC economies.”
Beijing Sets the Tone for APEC 2026
As host of APEC 2026, China unveiled the forum’s theme, “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together,” signaling Beijing’s ambition to reinforce regional cooperation at a time of heightened geopolitical and economic tension.
Ma cited remarks by President Xi Jinping at the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, reiterating China’s readiness to bring member economies together to advance regional growth and prosperity.
According to Xi, APEC should intensify practical cooperation in key areas, including the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), regional connectivity, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence, to inject fresh momentum into Asia-Pacific development and deliver tangible benefits to its people.
Three Pillars: Openness, Innovation, Cooperation
China outlined three strategic priorities for APEC 2026 aimed at translating the vision of an Asia-Pacific community into concrete outcomes.
Openness
Ma emphasized that openness remains the lifeblood of the region’s economic success. Average tariffs across APEC economies have fallen sharply from 17 percent to 5 percent, reflecting decades of trade liberalization.
With 2026 marking the 20th anniversary of FTAAP, China called for renewed support for:
The multilateral trading system
A stable and open regional economic environment
Stronger industrial and supply chain resilience
Deeper regional connectivity
Innovation
Rapid technological change—particularly in artificial intelligence—was identified as a key driver of future growth.
China urged APEC economies to deepen cooperation in frontier technologies, expand digital public services, promote interoperability of standards, and ensure that technological gains are shared more equitably across the region.
“Shenzhen is widely recognized as a global innovation hub,” Ma said.
“China stands ready to share its experience in technological innovation and long-term development with all partners.”
Cooperation
Cooperation, Ma stressed, remains the foundation of Asia-Pacific prosperity. He reaffirmed APEC’s role as the region’s premier economic cooperation forum and called for closer coordination in areas including fiscal policy, food security, energy, SMEs, transportation, tourism, human resources, and public health.
“The goal is to ensure that no economy or community is left behind,” he said.
Shenzhen Showcases China’s Economic Transformation
Shenzhen, one of China’s first special economic zones, provided a symbolic backdrop for the meeting. Once a small fishing town, the city has evolved into China’s leading foreign trade hub.
GDP grew from 270 million yuan in 1980 to 3.68 trillion yuan in 2024
Total trade reached approximately 4.5 trillion yuan in 2024
The city will also host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in November 2026.
APEC 2026 Logo Reflects Shared Prosperity
Ambassador Chen Xu, Chair of the APEC 2026 Senior Officials’ Meeting, unveiled the official APEC 2026 logo, inspired by Peng, a legendary creature in Chinese mythology that transforms from a giant fish into a soaring bird.
The logo features 21 interwoven feathers, symbolizing the 21 APEC member economies—diverse yet interconnected—rising together toward shared prosperity.
“Despite unprecedented global changes, the APEC region remains the primary engine of global economic growth,” Chen said.
“APEC continues to serve as a modern, efficient, and effective incubator of ideas for regional economic cooperation.”
Key Milestone for Asia-Pacific Vision 2040
APEC 2026 will also mark a significant milestone with the first five-year review of the Aotearoa Plan of Action, offering an opportunity to assess progress and recalibrate efforts toward achieving the 2040 vision of an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community.
The first round of APEC technical meetings is scheduled to take place in Guangzhou from February 1 to 10, 2026. (AT Network)
Follow Us at Google News and WA Channel