Shenzhen to host APEC 2026, Xi calls city “miracle”, invites world leaders

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that Shenzhen will host the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, marking China’s third time as APEC chair. Expressing gratitude for the transfer of presidency, Xi hailed Shenzhen as a “miracle in world development” and a “window of China’s opening-up.” He invited leaders to discuss Asia-Pacific growth and the Putrajaya Vision 2040. China’s agenda will focus on the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), digital economy, AI, and sustainability. The announcement follows the 2025 APEC Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, themed “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow.”