BEIJING/GYEONGJU: China will host the next year’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November 2026, confirmed Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday. The summit will gather leaders from 21 major economies in the Asia-Pacific region, and will take place in Shenzhen, a thriving metropolis in southern China.
This announcement came during the concluding session of the current APEC meeting held in Gyeongju, South Korea. Xi emphasized the importance of cooperation among the APEC economies, stating that the upcoming summit will focus on enhancing economic resilience and fostering sustainable growth in the region.
This year’s summit serves as a crucial platform for dialogue and collaboration among member states, with discussions addressing global challenges such as climate change and trade disruptions. The APEC process emphasizes collective action to promote free trade and facilitate economic development.
Shenzhen, known for its rapid economic development and innovation, will provide an auspicious backdrop for the 2026 summit. Xi noted that hosting APEC again reflects China’s commitment to nurturing collaboration and economic stability in the Asia-Pacific region. He highlighted the city’s achievements, indicating its position as a symbol of transformation and progress.
The 2026 summit will be China’s third time hosting an APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. Previously, China hosted the leaders’ meeting in 2001 and 2014, showcasing its prominent role in fostering cooperation among the diverse economies of the Asia-Pacific.
As China prepares for this significant gathering, regional leaders now look towards the future of trade relations and economic recovery in the aftermath of global disruptions caused by the pandemic. APEC serves as a vital framework for discussions on comprehensive economic cooperation, and the upcoming summit aims to reinforce these efforts.
During his address, Xi called for member nations to strengthen partnerships, enhance connectivity, and jointly tackle challenges in the evolving global landscape. He expressed optimism about the upcoming meeting and its potential to drive substantial strategic discussions.
The APEC summit represents an opportunity for world leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue, share best practices, and establish actionable commitments that can lead to lasting benefits for their respective economies.
