[Gyeongju APEC] Xi Jinping: "APEC Summit in Shenzhen Next November... Let's Build an Asia-Pacific Community Together" (Comprehensive)

"Enhancing AI Literacy and Bridging Gaps Among APEC Member Countries"

On November 1, Xi Jinping, President of China, announced that the next Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit is scheduled to be held in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, in November 2026.

Xi Jinping, President of China. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

According to Xinhua News Agency, President Xi made this statement during the second session on the closing day of the APEC summit at the Gyeongju HwaBaek Convention Center. He said, "I look forward to all countries coming together in Shenzhen next year to discuss the grand plans for Asia-Pacific development and to create a bright future for the region."

He went on to say, "APEC is the most important economic cooperation mechanism in the Asia-Pacific region," emphasizing, "Building an Asia-Pacific community is an essential path for the region's long-term development and prosperity, and it is the shared aspiration of all countries." He added, "China hopes to use the next APEC summit as an opportunity to work hand in hand with all countries to build an Asia-Pacific community, promote regional growth and prosperity, and strengthen practical cooperation on initiatives such as the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP)."

Xinhua News Agency reported that the leaders of member countries expressed strong support for China hosting the 2026 APEC summit, agreeing with China's vision for the meeting and expressing hopes for the successful outcome of the 'China Year' of APEC.

Earlier in the session, President Xi also highlighted the importance of cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), proposing, "Let us work together to create a sustainable and beautiful future." He stated, "China has proposed the establishment of a 'World AI Cooperation Organization' and wishes to actively provide AI as a public good through cooperation on development strategies and technical standards." He added, "We hope to work with APEC member countries to enhance AI literacy among our peoples and bridge the digital and smart divide in the Asia-Pacific region."

He also referenced China's domestic policy of "common prosperity," which emphasizes equitable distribution, and stated, "We will fully implement the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to promote common prosperity for all people in the Asia-Pacific." He concluded, "It is difficult to stand alone, but easy to move forward together. China wishes to join hands with all countries to build an Asia-Pacific community."