World · East Asia & Pacific · 3 hrs ago
APEC ministers urge open trade ahead of leaders’ meeting in China
APEC ministers met by video on Nov.
3, with China co-chairing the meeting.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged an open Asia-Pacific economy and support for free trade and multilateral cooperation.
China is hosting APEC for the first time in 12 years, and has held more than 300 meetings and events during its host year.
The ministers discussed challenges including economic globalization facing headwinds and risks of fragmented supply chains.
They called for free trade, innovation and sustainable development to support regional growth.
APEC leaders are due to meet in Shenzhen on Nov.
18-19, where China hopes the gathering will produce strong results.
APEC foreign and trade ministers met online on November 3 ahead of a leaders’ meeting in Shenzhen, China.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for free trade, multilateralism and an open Asia-Pacific economy.
Trade Minister Wang Wentao urged APEC economies to reduce trade and investment barriers and support free trade.
The ministers’ meeting was co-chaired by Wang Yi and Wang Wentao, with representatives from APEC member economies and other participants attending.
China said it would work with other economies to prepare for the leaders’ meeting on November 18 and 19.
- Who
- APEC foreign and trade ministers, co-chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Trade Minister Wang Wentao.
- What
- They held an online ministerial meeting and urged cooperation on open trade and regional economic integration.
- When
- November 3, 2026.
- Where
- Online, with the meeting held in Beijing.
- Why
- It was part of preparations for the APEC leaders’ meeting in Shenzhen.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
China hosted APEC for the first time in 12 years.
APEC held its 37th foreign and trade ministers’ meeting online in Beijing.
APEC leaders are due to meet in Shenzhen, China.
- Meeting date
- November 3, 2026
- Meeting format
- Online
- Meeting co-chairs
- Wang Yi and Wang Wentao
- Upcoming leaders’ meeting
- November 18–19 in Shenzhen, China
- China’s APEC hosting
- First time in 12 years
What people are saying
We must uphold the multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization.
We should build an open Asia-Pacific economy.
APEC economies should continue to contribute practical and effective “Asia-Pacific solutions” to regional and global development.