A major announcement was made on the APEC stage this morning: Chinese President Xi Jinping revealed that Shenzhen will host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November 2026.
The choice is deeply symbolic. Shenzhen, a city that transformed itself from a small fishing village into a modern international metropolis within a few decades, serves as a powerful signal to the world about the future trajectory of China and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
So, why was Shenzhen selected?
First, Shenzhen is the ideal showcase of China's reform, opening-up, and modernization. This city embodies the very spirit of openness, innovation, and international cooperation that APEC champions. From its origins as a special economic zone in the 1980s to its current status as China's top foreign trade hub, Shenzhen has consistently been at the forefront of the nation's global engagement. The economic narrative is staggering—a GDP that soared from 270 million yuan in 1980 to over 36 trillion yuan in 2024—but it's about more than just numbers. It reflects a spirit of constant evolution and experimentation.
Second, Shenzhen represents a model where green and innovative development go hand-in-hand. With its "half city, half nature" layout, leading adoption of electric vehicles, and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster (ranked top globally by WIPO), the city demonstrates that sustainability and high-tech growth are not mutually exclusive but can be powerfully synergistic.
Furthermore, Shenzhen is thoroughly prepared to host an event of this scale. It is already a key diplomatic destination, having welcomed over 1,100 foreign delegations in recent years. The city's infrastructure meets international standards, featuring AI translation systems in public transport, comprehensive bilingual signage, and specialized service centers for foreign visitors.
When APEC convenes in Shenzhen in 2026, it will be more than just a meeting; it will be a demonstration. A demonstration of a dynamic, open, innovative, and globally connected city that points the way forward.
This is not merely an event—it is an invitation to witness a model of growth that is innovative, green, and inclusive.
Reporter & Script | Cai Minling
Video Editor | Liang Zijian
Poster | Liang Zijian
Editor | Hu Nan, James, Shen He
