APEC crucial cohesion platform in Asia-Pacific

Editor's note: The second Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Senior Officials' Meeting and related events will be held in Shanghai from Monday to May 19. People's Daily Overseas Edition spoke to Tu Xinquan, dean of the China Institute for World Trade Organization Studies at the University of International Business and Economics, and Zhang Jingjia, an associate researcher at the APEC Study Center of Nankai University, on China's role in the forum. Below are excerpts of the interview. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

At a time when geopolitical conflicts are disrupting global value chains and multilateral mechanisms are under strain, APEC is one of the few frameworks where economies can still sit down together to discuss trade and economic cooperation pragmatically. This gives the mechanism practical significance.

By promoting upgraded connectivity initiatives and striving for tangible results in physical, institutional and people-to-people connectivity, APEC economies can better withstand external shocks and enhance regional economic resilience.

At the same time, APEC can accelerate the green and innovation-driven transformation across the region. Greater cooperation in clean energy, green minerals and environmental protection will help member economies move toward smarter, greener and more digital growth while reducing dependence on traditional fossil fuels. Innovation-led transformation is essential for the long-term sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific. It can also create new engines of growth in times of uncertainty.

The Asia-Pacific region still holds enormous potential for economic growth and trade cooperation. China is the largest trading partner for nearly all the APEC members, giving it an important role in regional cooperation. Despite frictions between China and the United States and Japan, economic and trade ties remain a vital bridge. They continue to play an irreplaceable role in maintaining relations and supporting regional stability.

In this context, APEC serves as both a stabilizer and a source of cohesion for the Asia-Pacific region. More importantly, it provides a valuable platform for leaders and officials at different levels to engage in practical discussions and sustained communication. Even when differences and disputes persist, dialogue remains essential to regional stability and economic certainty. This is precisely why APEC's role cannot easily be replaced.

China's three priorities for APEC 2026 — openness, innovation and cooperation — can help reinforce the focus on regional shared development. They also reflect both China's strengths and its vision for the future of APEC and the wider world.

The country has demonstrated a firm commitment to expanding opening-up through a series of concrete measures this year. It is also a strong supporter of the multilateral trading system and the World Trade Organization. Regarding innovation, China has become one of the world's major innovation hubs, particularly in manufacturing, and is well-positioned to contribute more to APEC's innovation-driven development. When it comes to cooperation, China has consistently advocated partnership rather than confrontation, a position that aligns closely with APEC's core principles.

Although China remains a developing country, it is making tangible contributions to global development and regional prosperity by expanding market access, increasing outward investment, deepening supply chain cooperation and strengthening technological collaboration. It also advocates stronger connectivity and more resilient supply chains.