China to Host 2026 APEC Summit in Shenzhen, Xi Jinping Calls for Stronger Asia-Pacific Cooperation

China will host the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2026 in the city of Shenzhen, President Xi Jinping announced on November 1 during the official handover ceremony of the 32nd APEC summit. The announcement signals China’s growing commitment to promoting economic integration, innovation, and shared development across the Asia-Pacific region.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Xi described APEC as “the most important mechanism for economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific,” highlighting its significant contributions to growth and stability over the past three decades. He said that China is honored to host the meeting for the third time and will use the opportunity to advance the vision of a shared Asia-Pacific community characterized by openness, connectivity, and innovation.

“Building an Asia-Pacific community is the sure path toward long-term progress and prosperity in the region,” Xi said. “China stands ready to work with all partners to promote growth, deepen cooperation, and inject greater vitality into our collective future.”

Xi emphasized that the 2026 summit in Shenzhen will focus on several priority areas, including the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), connectivity, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. These efforts, he said, will support inclusive and sustainable growth while creating new opportunities for businesses and citizens across the region.

The Chinese president also reflected on Shenzhen’s remarkable transformation. Once a small fishing village, Shenzhen has grown into a modern metropolis and a global innovation hub, symbolizing China’s reform and opening-up. “Shenzhen is a miracle in world history created by the Chinese people,” Xi said. “It stands as a window showcasing China’s steadfast commitment to openness and mutually beneficial cooperation.”

APEC economic leaders attending the event warmly welcomed China’s announcement and expressed confidence that the 2026 “APEC China Year” would further deepen regional collaboration. They commended China’s efforts to promote inclusive growth and digital transformation, and voiced support for its vision of shared prosperity.

China’s hosting of APEC in 2026 will mark the third time it has organized the high-level forum, following successful summits in Shanghai in 2001 and Beijing in 2014. Both previous meetings produced landmark outcomes, including the launch of the APEC Leaders’ Declaration in Shanghai and the Beijing Roadmap for FTAAP, which laid the foundation for broader economic integration across the region.

APEC, established in 1989, brings together 21 member economies that collectively account for nearly half of global trade and 60 percent of global GDP. Its goal is to foster sustainable economic growth and regional prosperity by promoting free and open trade, investment, and innovation.

As preparations begin for the Shenzhen summit, expectations are high that China’s leadership will help shape a new chapter of cooperation among Asia-Pacific economies. President Xi concluded his remarks with an invitation: “China looks forward to welcoming all sides in Shenzhen next year to chart the course for Asia-Pacific development and build together a brighter tomorrow for our region.”