Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin on Monday called for staying true to the original aspiration of Asia-Pacific cooperation by embracing changes of the times, focusing on investing in people, strengthening policy coordination and upholding openness and win-win cooperation.
Shen made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 8th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting held in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province.
Shen stressed that human resources development in the Asia-Pacific region has huge potential, while also facing major challenges brought by the technological revolution and demographic shifts.
The Chinese government is willing to work with all sides to promote high-quality and full employment, strengthen vocational skills training, safeguard the lawful rights and interests of workers, and advance high-level international talent exchanges and cooperation, to make new contributions to building an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community, Shen said.
The meeting, themed "Modernizing Human Resources Development for a Stronger Asia-Pacific Community," was attended by representatives from APEC economies, the APEC Secretariat, APEC observers and relevant international organizations.
Chinese state councilor urges joint efforts to advance human resources development at APEC ministerial meeting
The 13th edition of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition concluded on Sunday in Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital, highlighting technological innovation, industrial development, and international cooperation in the aerospace and defense sectors.
The five-day event was held at Air Force Base Waterkloof under the theme "Africa's Gateway to Defence and Aerospace Collaboration."
More than 250 exhibitors from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America participated in this year's event.
During the exhibition, the Chinese defense enterprises' exhibition area attracted considerable attention, showcasing a wide range of leading aviation equipment.
The J-10CE fighter jet, the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, and the Y-20 transport aircraft brought by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) drew strong interest from visitors.
"We are hopeful that our engagements with China will assist us as Africa to advance. And what is much more important is the non prescriptive type of approach and posture that China has. I mean it's coming in where to engage with us as equal partners, which is much more important, and that we will remain grateful for and will continue engaging with the people of China," said Moeti Mohwasa, Botswana’s Minister for State President.
Held biennially, the AAD combines a trade exhibition with an air show, serving as a platform for promoting international collaboration, trade and investment in Africa's aerospace and defense industries.
This year's edition featured three trade days from Wednesday to Friday, followed by two public air show days over the weekend.
AAD 2026 concludes in South Africa, highlighting innovation, defence cooperation
