In a significant regional gathering, Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke at the launch of the inaugural 2026 APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting in Guangzhou on Tuesday. As a Politburo member of the Communist Party’s Central Committee, Wang highlighted China’s pivotal role, hosting APEC for the third time since 2014.
Drawing from President Xi’s directives, Wang stressed maintaining APEC’s original intent of economic advancement and welfare enhancement. Commitments include open development for shared gains, inclusive globalization, and forging an Asia-Pacific community of prosperity, stability, openness, inclusivity, and harmony.
China’s theme for the year – ‘Building an Asia-Pacific Community and Promoting Shared Prosperity’ – sets the stage. With focus areas of openness, innovation, and cooperation, the agenda aims to solidify APEC’s foundations, chart future directions, and deliver a robust outcomes document for leaders in November.
Practical steps forward: broadening free trade initiatives, leveraging innovation for digital, smart, green growth; honoring diversity among members; tackling governance in development; and intensifying collaboration in varied fields.
This ‘China Year’ coincides with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan launch, promising fresh momentum from modernization efforts to benefit the region and beyond.
Over February 1-10, officials in Guangzhou delved into discussions, kickstarted collaborations, and prepared deliverables for the leaders’ summit.