China has formally presented its strategic vision for the 2026 APEC host year, introducing ‘Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together’ as the central theme during the APEC Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting (ISOM) in Shenzhen. The December 12th announcement established three core priorities—openness, innovation, and cooperation—that will guide the forum’s agenda throughout China’s leadership tenure.
The Shenzhen symposium and ISOM gathering, held from December 11th to 12th, represents China’s inaugural event as host of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting scheduled for November 2026. The meeting also featured the official unveiling of the APEC 2026 logo, symbolizing the commencement of preparatory activities for what Chinese officials term the APEC ‘China Year.’
As the world’s second-largest economy, China’s hosting of APEC comes at a pivotal moment for regional economic integration. The selected priorities reflect Beijing’s emphasis on creating sustainable development frameworks while addressing contemporary challenges through technological advancement and collaborative policy-making. The ‘openness’ component advocates for reduced trade barriers and enhanced market access, while ‘innovation’ focuses on digital transformation and green technologies. The ‘cooperation’ pillar emphasizes institutional coordination and multilateral problem-solving mechanisms.
Shenzhen, the host city, represents a symbolic choice as both a technological hub and a testament to China’s economic modernization. The 2026 leadership role provides China with a platform to shape regional economic discourse amid evolving global supply chains and increasing geopolitical complexities. APEC members, representing approximately 60% of global GDP and 48% of international trade, will engage with China’s proposed framework through working groups and ministerial meetings throughout the hosting year.