APEC ministers meet in Nanjing to foster modern human resources, promote practical cooperation

The 8th APEC Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting opened Monday morning in Nanjing City, east China's Jiangsu Province, as one of the ministerial gatherings of the 2026 APEC "China Year."

This year's meeting aims to deepen practical cooperation on human resources across the region and support the building of an Asia-Pacific community and inclusive, sustainable development.

More than 150 representatives from 19 APEC economies, the APEC Secretariat, the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council and the International Labor Organization attended the meeting.

Discussions center on several key topics, including promoting high-quality and full employment and fostering an employment-friendly development model.

A major backdrop to the talks is the rapid development of artificial intelligence, which is reshaping labor markets and presenting new opportunities and challenges for all economies.

Participants said they hope the meeting will serve as a platform to exchange the latest policy practices and typical cases.

"I think it is that focus on AI and quality jobs. I think that's quality employment, if you like, employment opportunities, I think that's an area where China is really focusing on, if I understand correctly. And there's a lot we can learn from each other," said Eduardo Pedrosa, executive director of APEC Secretariat.

The meeting will also focus on topics such as investing in people to improve the quality and effectiveness of vocational skills training and strengthening social security systems to make them better optimized and more sustainable.

Participants will explore how to establish lifelong vocational skills training systems so that workers' skills can effectively match newly created job opportunities, as well as how to improve social security and safeguard the rights of older workers.

The discussions are expected to inject new momentum into strengthened human resources development and cooperation among economies, contributing to an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community.

APEC ministers meet in Nanjing to foster modern human resources, promote practical cooperation

APEC ministers meet in Nanjing to foster modern human resources, promote practical cooperation

APEC ministers meet in Nanjing to foster modern human resources, promote practical cooperation

China's position on maintaining the stability and security of global critical mineral supply chains remains unchanged, with a continued ban on exports of all dual-use items to Japanese military users, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Monday in Beijing.

Guo made the statement at a regular press briefing when asked about China's controls on exports of certain dual-use items.

"In accordance with laws and regulations, China prohibits the export of all dual-use items to Japanese military users, for military purposes, or for any end use that could help enhance Japan's military capabilities. The aim is to curb Japan's 'remilitarization' and its attempts to acquire nuclear weapons. China's position on safeguarding the stability and security of global critical mineral supply chains remains unchanged, and all parties have a responsibility to play a constructive role in this regard," said Guo.

China's stance on stable critical mineral supply chains unchanged: spokesman