APEC symposium in Shenzhen seeks to shape future of regional cooperation for 2026

Representatives from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member states, along with stakeholders from the business and academic communities, convened in Shenzhen City of south China's Guangdong Province on Thursday for a series of discussions centered on shaping the theme and priorities for APEC cooperation in 2026.

The symposium, held ahead of the APEC Informal Senior Officials' Meeting which will open Friday, is a longstanding tradition of the organization and not only provides valuable input for cooperation in the coming year but also aims to inject vitality into long-term collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region.

Participants exchanged views on topics focusing on building an Asia-Pacific community which sets out a new vision, new opportunities, new prospects while achieving win-win cooperation grounded in openness, innovation, and collaborative development.

"The theme for APEC 2026, 'Building an Asia-Pacific community to prosper together: openness, innovation and cooperation', promises to build on the work we have undertaken over the past five years in the pursuit of the Putrajaya Vision. The global trading system faces significant challenges, transformative technologies such as AI and demographic shifts despite, or because of these circumstances, APEC relevance is more important than ever," said Eduardo Pedrosa, executive director of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Secretariat.

Attendees said that as the most important economic cooperation mechanism in the Asia-Pacific, APEC has made significant contributions to advancing trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, as well as promoting regional economic integration, serving as a model among various regional cooperation frameworks worldwide.

China is set to host the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, marking the third time it will have hosted the gathering.

Participants in Thursday's seminar also expressed their anticipation for more practical cooperation in areas such as advancing the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, enhancing connectivity, developing the digital economy and promoting artificial intelligence.

"From the perspective of openness, a crucial aspect is the construction of the Asia-Pacific free trade area to achieve regional economic integration. In terms of innovation, many new technologies present both opportunities and challenges. How to leverage these effectively to provide greater momentum for economic development in the Asia-Pacific region is a key priority, while also working to mitigate potential risks," said Zhan Yongxin, chair of the China National Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation, in an interview following the event.

APEC symposium in Shenzhen seeks to shape future of regional cooperation for 2026

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday demanded that the United States cease its policy of intervention in the South American nation, as well as across Latin America and the Caribbean.

"From Venezuela, we ask and demand an end to the United States government's illegal and brutal interventionism [in Venezuela and in Latin America]," the president said as he addressed a demonstration in Caracas in defense of national sovereignty, on the 166th anniversary of the historic Battle of Santa Ines.

From Venezuela, the country demands: enough with regime change policies, coups d'etat, and invasions around the world, he said.

He also thanked U.S. citizens for protesting against a potential war with Venezuela, highlighting a growing and powerful movement of public opinion that rejects U.S. military hostility against his country.

The Venezuelans expressed their support for their country at this critical moment.

"[We are here for] continuing the struggle, unity, and respect for our sovereignty. We are a country that loves peace, but we are prepared for any moment, any contingency that the whole world may need us for," said Robinson Pérez, a Caracas resident.

"This country remains free and sovereign, and no empire can defeat us," said Shirley Rincon, another Caracas citizen.

For almost four months, the United States has maintained a significant military presence in the Caribbean, much of it off Venezuela's coast, purportedly to combat drug trafficking -- a claim Venezuela has denounced as a thinly veiled attempt to bring about regime change in Caracas.

US should cease interfering in Latin America: Venezuelan President