People watch a multimedia light show held in celebration of the APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 27, 2025. Photo: IC

As the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting is being held from October 31 to November 1 in Gyeongju, South Korea, China reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and regional integration. Against the backdrop of rising protectionism and global economic uncertainty, China's call for openness, innovation, and shared prosperity has emerged as a stabilizing force driving Asia-Pacific cooperation forward.

Under the theme "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow," this year's meeting focused on topics such as artificial intelligence industries and free trade, reaffirming commitment to multilateralism and regional solidarity amid global uncertainties.

Experts from China and abroad told the Global Times that this meeting takes place against a backdrop of profound shifts in global trade and economic structures, bringing both opportunities and challenges for regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific. As one of the world's most vital multilateral cooperation mechanisms, APEC continues to serve as a crucial platform for dialogue and joint action.

Economic growth in the APEC region is projected at 3.1 percent in 2025, slightly higher than earlier estimates, according to the latest APEC Regional Trends Analysis, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

The report stressed that cooperation remains a critical anchor to safeguard economic stability, said Xinhua.

At this critical moment, China's advocacy for fairness and balance offers the best hope for preserving APEC's relevance and restoring credibility to a global trading system under strain, Xinhua reported.

Ahead of the APEC summit, People wave Chinese national flags and South Korea's national flags outside of Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, on October 30, 2025. Photo: VCG

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the world's second-largest economy, China has acted as a bridge through promoting South-South cooperation, advancing the Belt and Road Initiative, and actively participating in peacekeeping missions, Ban Ki-moon, chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia and former UN secretary-general, told Xinhua on October 26.

Ban said China's continued investment in renewable energy, technological innovation and public health cooperation has enabled the provision of global public goods.
China's leadership in climate action, digital governance and public health demonstrates the truth that only by working together can the world overcome challenges, he added.

Visitors explore the K-Tech Showcase exhibition, a side event of the APEC summit, in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 30, 2025. Photo: VCG

Alongside the main meeting, a variety of cultural and public events are enriching the atmosphere of unity and prosper.

A range of related events - from multimedia shows and traditional "Hanbok" fashion displays to night installations, art exhibitions, and gourmet street experiences - are open for public participation, according to Aju Press.

Cutting-edge technology exhibitions, featuring major corporations, and start-ups, are also accessible to the public after the meeting, displaying innovations such as new hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, fuel cell stacks, robots, chips, and servers.

Global Times

Visitors view the Silla gold crown at a special exhibition held by the National Gyeongju Museum to mark the APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 27, 2025. Photo: IC

Students from Yeungnam University perform "Pansori", a Korean genre of musical storytelling, at a square in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 28, 2025. Photo: IC

A view of the APEC International Media Center in Gyeongju, South Korea Photo: VCG

Sustainable future together