Shenzhen inaugurated the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Symposium and Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting (ISOM) on Thursday, December 11, 2025, marking China’s formal commencement of its host responsibilities for the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. The two-day gathering at Shenzhen Bay Culture Square represents the inaugural event of what officials are calling the APEC ‘China Year,’ setting the stage for China’s leadership role in shaping regional economic cooperation throughout the coming year.
The symposium brings together senior officials from APEC’s 21 member economies to establish preliminary dialogues on key regional priorities. While specific agenda items remain undisclosed, the meeting is expected to lay groundwork for addressing pressing economic challenges, enhancing trade facilitation, and promoting sustainable development initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region.
Shenzhen, China’s technology and innovation hub, provides a symbolic backdrop for discussions on digital transformation and economic modernization. The selection of this southern Chinese metropolis underscores China’s emphasis on technological advancement as a cornerstone of regional economic strategy. The proceedings will likely establish foundational frameworks for more substantive negotiations throughout China’s host year, culminating in the major Economic Leaders’ Meeting scheduled for 2026.
This preliminary gathering serves as a crucial diplomatic platform for China to demonstrate its commitment to multilateral economic cooperation and establish priorities for its APEC presidency. The outcomes of these initial discussions will shape the agenda for subsequent ministerial meetings and working groups throughout the coming months.