CHINA is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in 2026 and intends to use it as more than a routine diplomatic gathering. Beijing sees the forum as a platform to showcase its economic, technological and diplomatic vision. This approach was evident during the recently held APEC Digital Week in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, where China highlighted its commitment to free trade, artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation and shared development across the Asia-Pacific.

Established in 1989, APEC is an intergovernmental forum of 21 Pacific Rim economies dedicated to promoting free trade, investment, regional economic integration and sustainable development. Its members, including China, the United States, Japan and Australia, account for nearly half of global trade and a substantial share of global economic output.

The year’s main........

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