Guangzhou, China – The United States is participating in the first Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum for 2026, currently underway in Guangzhou, China, from to . The U.S. Delegation, led by Senior Official Casey Mace and including Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Ruth Perry, aims to advance what it describes as “America First” foreign policy priorities within the 21-member economic bloc.
The meetings mark the formal launch of China’s year-long hosting of APEC, with the theme “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together.” Approximately 60 meetings, workshops, and symposia are scheduled over the ten-day period, covering a broad range of policy areas including trade, digital transformation, and environmental sustainability. The U.S. Presence signals a continued, though potentially recalibrated, engagement with the region despite ongoing trade tensions and geopolitical competition.
According to a statement released by the State Department, the U.S. Will focus on opening Asian markets to American exports and promoting deregulation and policies favorable to U.S. Businesses. This echoes longstanding American objectives within APEC, which was originally conceived in 1989 as a forum to promote open trade and economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Beyond traditional trade concerns, the U.S. Delegation is also prioritizing issues related to environmental security. Officials will be addressing illegal fishing practices, marine debris, and the illicit timber trade, framing these as threats not only to the environment but also to American businesses, workers, and national security. The U.S. Intends to leverage American technology and industry to address these challenges, seeking to simultaneously expand market access and promote environmental protection.
The United States has been a prominent member of APEC since its inception, having hosted the forum three times previously. U.S. Officials emphasize the significant contributions of American companies, technology, and workers to the economic development of the Asia-Pacific region. APEC is viewed by Washington as a crucial platform for pursuing policies that aim to reduce trade barriers, foster fair trade practices, and stimulate job growth within the United States.
Guangdong province, where the meetings are being held, plays a pivotal role in China’s economic engagement with APEC economies. In , trade between Guangdong and other APEC members reached 6.16 trillion yuan, representing a 3.3% increase year-on-year. Exports from Guangdong to APEC economies totaled 3.82 trillion yuan, while imports reached 2.34 trillion yuan, demonstrating the province’s substantial trade volume with the region. China’s Hong Kong SAR, the United States, and Taiwan were Guangdong’s top three APEC trading partners, accounting for nearly half of the province’s total trade with APEC economies.
The choice of Guangzhou as the host city for the first APEC meetings of 2026 is significant. As the capital of Guangdong province, Guangzhou has emerged as a major economic hub and a key player in China’s foreign trade. The city achieved a historic milestone in , exceeding 1.2 trillion yuan in total import and export volume, and maintaining its position as the nation’s leader in cross-border e-commerce imports for the tenth consecutive year. Guangzhou’s extensive international connections, including flights to 55 countries and regions and port links to over 400 ports globally, underscore its importance as a gateway for trade and investment.
The APEC meetings in Guangzhou are taking place against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical competition in the Asia-Pacific region. The United States and China have been engaged in a complex relationship characterized by both economic interdependence and strategic rivalry. While APEC aims to foster economic cooperation, the forum also provides a venue for addressing broader geopolitical concerns and managing tensions between member economies.
China’s stated priorities for APEC – openness, innovation, and cooperation – reflect its commitment to regional integration and economic development. However, the implementation of these priorities will likely be shaped by China’s broader strategic objectives and its evolving relationship with the United States and other key APEC members. The Committee on Trade and Investment will be discussing priorities for , including cooperation to support the multilateral trading system, trade facilitation, and regional economic integration.
The outcome of the APEC meetings in Guangzhou will be closely watched by businesses, policymakers, and observers around the world. The forum represents an important opportunity for member economies to address shared challenges, promote economic growth, and strengthen regional stability. The U.S. Delegation’s engagement in these discussions will be crucial in shaping the future direction of APEC and its role in the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Asia-Pacific region.
