China explains decision to hold APEC ministerial meeting virtually

China decided to hold this year's APEC Ministerial Meeting via video conference after considering various factors to ensure the meeting's effectiveness, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a regular news briefing, Mao said China, as this year's APEC host member economy, attaches great importance to hosting the meeting of foreign and trade ministers.

She expressed confidence that, with the joint efforts of all parties, the meeting would produce positive outcomes and make thorough preparations for the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao were scheduled to co-chair the 37th APEC Ministerial Meeting via video conference in Beijing on Tuesday, according to an earlier Foreign Ministry announcement.