BEIJING, Nov. 5 — China hosted the 37th APEC Ministerial Meeting on Foreign and Trade Affairs via video link on November 3, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao jointly chairing the session. Representatives from all 21 member economies joined under the theme “Building an Asia-Pacific Community with a Shared Future and Promoting Common Prosperity.”
Wang Yi noted that 2026 marks China’s return as APEC host after 12 years, with more than 300 meetings and events held throughout the “China Year,” yielding tangible cooperation outcomes across three priority areas: openness, innovation and cooperation. He urged members to cement the foundation of unity, uphold an open architecture, foster an innovation ecosystem and expand sustainable cooperation, warning against fragmented supply chains and a slowing global economy.
Commerce Minister Wang Wentao called for defending free trade and the multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization, advancing the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific through flexible arrangements, and exploring trusted digital-economy partnerships. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to high-level opening-up, equal treatment for foreign firms and open collaboration on artificial intelligence.
The dual-ministerial gathering is the final major preparatory step before the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, scheduled for November 18–19 in Shenzhen, where President Xi Jinping will chair the summit. Observers say the “China Year” agenda has compressed room for security posturing, keeping the focus tightly on trade, digital governance and the green transition. Participating economies welcomed the progress and thanked China for its role, pledging to deliver a successful leaders’ meeting.
— VGMG Asia-Pacific Geopolitics & Trade Desk