BEIJING/GYEONGJU: Chinese President Xi Jinping announced on November 1 that China will host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen in November 2026. This summit will bring together leaders from 21 Asia-Pacific nations, fostering economic cooperation and development.
The announcement occurred during the concluding session of this year’s APEC meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea, where leaders discussed various regional issues, including trade and infrastructure investment.
This forthcoming summit marks a significant milestone as it represents China’s third time hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meeting. In previous years, China hosted the APEC summit in Beijing in 2014 and in Xi’an in 2001.
President Xi emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation among member economies, indicating that the upcoming summit aims to enhance partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region. During his speech, he urged leaders to prioritize free trade and open markets in order to address global economic challenges.
The APEC forum has long served as a platform for Pacific Rim leaders to discuss critical economic issues. It facilitates dialogue on trade, investment, and sustainable development, which Xi identified as key themes for the 2026 meeting.
China’s selection as the host country underlines its growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region. As global economies navigate uncertainties, the APEC summit will provide a timely opportunity to strengthen regional ties and negotiate important agreements.
Officials from 21 economies will participate in the summit, representing economies that collectively account for nearly 60% of the global GDP. This affirms APEC’s role as a vital organization in enhancing regional economic integration.
Experts believe that the outcomes of the 2026 summit could shape future trade dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region. They expect significant discussions on emerging trade barriers and the collective response required to mitigate their impacts on economic growth.
As countries continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the APEC summit presents an essential gathering for leaders to redefine their commitments to sustainable growth. Xi’s announcement aligns with his vision for fostering innovation and strengthening infrastructure to ensure long-term prosperity.
In preparation for APEC 2026, China will likely focus on bolstering partnerships with smaller economies and enhancing supply chain resilience. Analysts anticipate a dialogue on digital economy advancements and environmental sustainability to take center stage during the meeting.
