Thailand's caretaker Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul announced on Sunday that the Bhumjaithai Party had won Thailand's House of Representatives election.
With more than 87 percent of ballots counted by the country's Election Commission, the Bhumjaithai Party was leading the vote, followed by the People's Party and the Pheu Thai Party in third.
Speaking earlier, People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut said his party accepted the results so far and was prepared to serve as the opposition if Bhumjaithai succeeds in forming a government.
About 50 million eligible voters cast ballots on Sunday to elect all 500 members of the lower house. A simple majority of 251 seats is required to elect a prime minister and form a new government.
Thai caretaker PM says Bhumjaithai Party wins House of Representatives election
As host of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, China is committed to promoting regional cooperation and development across the Asia-Pacific, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said.
This year marks the APEC "China Year," with the theme of "Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together." China will host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November.
The country is holding the first first senior officials' meeting and related events in Guangzhou, the capital of south China's Guangdong Province, from Feb. 1 to 10, marking the launch of a year-long series of APEC China Year activities.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), Ma said China aims to set the tone for unity in the Asia-Pacific region by emphasizing free trade and practical partnerships in an increasingly uncertain world.
"The world today is beset with changes and disturbances, with turmoil continuing to mount, unilateralism and protectionism on the rise, and the international economic and trade order facing grave challenges. The Asia-Pacific region stands at a crossroads and must choose its path, while international cooperation faces a critical moment of either advancement or regression. Against this backdrop, China's role as the host of the 2026 APEC meeting carries significance that extends far beyond APEC itself, and even beyond the Asia-Pacific region," he said.
Noting the 2026 APEC "China Year" coincides with the inaugural year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, Ma said that as the host of APEC meeting, China will play a leading role in shaping regional economic integration and advancing the development of an Asia-Pacific community. "China's economy is growing steadily, with an optimized structure and fresh momentum. It has surpassed 140 trillion yuan. Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), China will further deepen reforms and expand opening-up. As APEC host, we will carry forward the historical initiative, lead regional economic integration, promote an Asia-Pacific Community, and create a good external environment for building a new development pattern and promoting high-quality development," said the vice foreign minister.
China to boost Asia-Pacific cooperation, development as APEC host: official
