The First APEC Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) and related meetings, the first event of APEC China 2026, are being held in Guangzhou from February 1 to February 10.
The meetings focus on "Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together," the theme of APEC 2026, along with its three priorities: openness, innovation, and cooperation.
During the sessions, Liu Wei, Director of the Institute of International Studies at Guangdong Academy of Social Sciences, told reporters that amid rising de-globalization and trade protectionism, China remains committed to maintaining an open and free trade environment. He noted that APEC itself provides a clear demonstration of this commitment.
Turning openness into practice, Liu said, requires the joint efforts of the business community, the public, and a new generation full of hope for the future. In this context, Guangzhou plays a distinctive role. Platforms such as the Canton Fair allow the city to supply high-quality products to the world while connecting global partners with a market expected to become one of the largest in the world.
Reporter: Liu Xiaodi
Script: Li Muzi
Cameraman: Deng Yingheng
Video editor/Poster: Pan Jiajun
