APEC CEO Summit opens in ROK's Gyeongju

The 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit officially opened on Wednesday in Gyeongju, the Republic of Korea (ROK), under the theme of "Bridge, Business, Beyond".

At the summit, topics such as regional economic integration and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) have drawn significant attention. A delegation of entrepreneurs from China is also attending the event. China's experience and solutions in areas like the digital economy and green development are expected to inject fresh momentum into regional cooperation across the Asia-Pacific.

In his opening speech, the ROK President Lee Jae-myung called on APEC economies to strengthen multilateral cooperation and unity in the face of growing protectionism and global uncertainty, in order to build a sustainable future together.

"At a time when protectionism and prioritizing national interests are on the rise, cooperation, coexistence, and inclusive growth may sound like empty words. But it is precisely during moments of crisis like this that APEC's role as a bridge platform becomes even more important," Lee said.

This year's APEC CEO Summit includes 20 themed sessions focused on driving dialogue around regional economic integration.

More than 1,700 participants are scheduled to attend the summit.

APEC CEO Summit opens in ROK's Gyeongju

APEC CEO Summit opens in ROK's Gyeongju

APEC CEO Summit opens in ROK's Gyeongju

APEC CEO Summit opens in ROK's Gyeongju

The Shenzhou-21 crew aboard China's orbiting space station released a music video tracing the country's space endeavors, blending their scientific mission with a musical tribute to celebrate the Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 17 this year.

Taking a break from their busy schedule in orbit, the trio -- Zhang Lu, Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang -- recorded the song "The Five-Starred Red Flag Flutters in Space", specifically composed for Chinese space professionals.

Ahead of the music video, the crew shared their personal reflections on the national flag.

"The first time I performed a spacewalk, the five-star red flag of China outside the cabin was shining with dazzling brilliance," recalled Wu Fei.

"That five-star red flag is the most beautiful scenery in my heart," said Zhang Hongzhang.

"Let the five-star red flag fly high in space," the trio said together, setting the stage for their musical tribute recorded 400 kilometers above the Earth.

The video pays tribute to the pioneers of the space program, featuring footage of China's first astronaut in space, Yang Liwei, alongside subsequent generations of astronauts who have followed in his path.

Shenzhou-21 crew release music video featuring China's space endeavors