Guangzhou, China – The first Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2026 concluded in Guangzhou on , marking the formal launch of China’s year-long hosting of the influential regional economic forum. The meeting, attended by representatives from all 21 APEC member economies, focused on laying the groundwork for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting scheduled for in Shenzhen.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed the opening session, emphasizing the importance of upholding the goal of an Asia-Pacific community and fostering a new chapter in regional cooperation. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi highlighted the significance of this APEC cycle, noting it is the third time China has hosted the forum, and the first in twelve years.
The 2026 APEC forum is taking place against a backdrop of shifting global economic dynamics and increasing geopolitical complexity. China’s hosting role comes as it navigates its own economic transition and seeks to strengthen its regional influence. The choice of Guangzhou and Shenzhen – both key economic hubs in southern China – underscores Beijing’s focus on demonstrating its economic prowess and commitment to open trade.
Discussions during the SOM centered around the overarching theme of “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together,” and three key priorities: openness, innovation, and cooperation. Participants engaged in in-depth conversations regarding the advancement of trade and investment, the deepening of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), enhanced connectivity, and strengthened cooperation in the digital economy. The aim is to promote universally beneficial and inclusive development across the region.
The meeting saw a broadening of consensus on several key areas, including the need to continue pushing forward with regional trade liberalization despite global headwinds. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) were all cited as examples of existing frameworks playing an increasingly active role in shaping multilateral economic and trade rules. The discussions suggest a continued commitment to these agreements, even as new challenges emerge.
Prior to the SOM, over 50 meetings of APEC committees and working groups were held in Guangzhou between and , covering a broad spectrum of issues including economic and technical cooperation, food security, science and technology, anti-corruption measures, people-to-people exchanges, healthcare, and customs procedures. More than 1,400 representatives from APEC member economies, the APEC Secretariat, observers, and the APEC Business Advisory Council participated in these preparatory meetings.
APEC is widely considered the most important economic cooperation mechanism in the Asia-Pacific region, encompassing economies that collectively represent roughly 40 percent of the world’s population and generate more than 60 percent of global GDP. The forum provides a platform for dialogue and collaboration on a wide range of economic issues, aiming to promote sustainable growth and prosperity across the region.
China’s preparations for APEC 2026 are extensive, with plans to host approximately 300 meetings and events throughout the year. The next major event on the calendar is the Second SOM and related meetings, scheduled to take place in Shanghai in .
The success of the APEC “China Year” will be closely watched by international observers, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions and the evolving global economic landscape. China’s ability to navigate these challenges and foster a spirit of cooperation among APEC members will be crucial in shaping the future of regional economic integration. The focus on openness, innovation, and cooperation signals a desire to position China as a leader in promoting inclusive growth and shared prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
The emphasis on building an Asia-Pacific community also reflects a broader Chinese foreign policy objective of fostering regional partnerships and promoting a multipolar world order. As Wang Yi stated, the goal is to provide “fresh momentum for Asia-Pacific cooperation.” Whether China can successfully translate this vision into concrete outcomes remains to be seen, but the launch of the APEC 2026 process in Guangzhou represents a significant step in that direction.
