International: The APEC Trade Ministers’ Meeting 2026 was inaugurated on Friday, May 22, in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province of China. This year’s conference is focusing on four major areas: the development of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), safeguarding the multilateral trading system, strengthening digital cooperation, and promoting the green economy.

The theme of the conference is: “Building an Asia-Pacific Community with a Shared Future and Working Together for Common Prosperity.”

In recent years, APEC has expanded practical cooperation in digital sectors such as paperless trade, cross-border e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and smart customs systems. The Asia-Pacific Model Electronic Port Network, established under China’s initiative, has emerged as an important platform for regional digital trade cooperation.

A senior official from China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that over the 35 years since joining APEC, China has consistently served as a strong supporter and major contributor to the organization, while also acting as an active advocate and driving force for Asia-Pacific regional economic and trade cooperation.

China has now become the largest trading partner of 13 APEC member economies. Trade volume between China and APEC members has reached 3.7 trillion US dollars, accounting for 57.8 percent of China’s total foreign trade. Of that amount, China’s imports from APEC economies stand at 1.5 trillion dollars.

Investment from APEC members into China has reached 90.61 billion US dollars, while China’s investment in APEC economies totals 136.58 billion dollars.

China has also signed 24 free trade agreements or economic and trade arrangements with 31 countries and regions. In recent years, China has completed upgraded free trade agreements with APEC members including Singapore and Peru.

Source: CMG (China Media Group)