Shenzhen to Host APEC 2026, Showcasing China’s Innovation and Global Vision

China has announced that the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2026 will be held in Shenzhen, placing the dynamic southern metropolis at the center of global attention. It will be the third time China hosts the APEC summit, following Shanghai in 2001 and Beijing in 2014, marking another milestone in the nation’s engagement with the Asia-Pacific community.

Observers say the decision to select Shenzhen reflects both symbolic and strategic importance. Once a small fishing village, the city has transformed over the past 47 years into one of China’s most vibrant and innovative hubs. With a GDP rising from just 270 million yuan in 1980 to 3.68 trillion yuan last year, Shenzhen embodies the success of China’s reform and opening-up policies and serves as a model for modernization and sustainable growth.

Dai Yonghong, dean of Shenzhen University’s College of International Studies, said the city represents the essence of China’s development story. “Shenzhen serves as a window into China’s reform and opening-up experience and is a powerful example of economic transformation,” he said. “At APEC, Shenzhen will present a Chinese path to modernization that has inspired developing countries and contributed to global growth.”

The city’s role as a key driver in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area further strengthens its position as a hub of innovation, trade, and international cooperation. In 2024, Shenzhen’s total import and export volume reached 4.5 trillion yuan, reaffirming its place as China’s leading foreign trade city.

Guo Wanda, executive vice-president of the China Development Institute, said Shenzhen’s rapid development aligns perfectly with APEC’s themes of open trade, digital transformation, and sustainable progress. “Its vitality, creativity, and openness embody the principles APEC promotes,” he said.

Home to global technology leaders such as Huawei, Tencent, BYD, and DJI, Shenzhen has become synonymous with technological excellence and digital advancement. Zeng Guosong, secretary-general of the International SparkLink Alliance, said APEC 2026 will spotlight China’s achievements in wireless communication and innovation. “This is a valuable opportunity for China to share its progress and strengthen global partnerships,” he said.

For local residents, the announcement has sparked pride and excitement. “Shenzhen represents openness, innovation, and inclusion,” said Ding Hui, a 22-year-old graduate student from South China Agricultural University. “I hope to volunteer during the event and show the world the energy and confidence of Chinese youth.”

Hosting APEC 2026 will also enhance Shenzhen’s capabilities in international event management, logistics, and global diplomacy. “The summit will elevate Shenzhen’s global standing while driving improvements in infrastructure, urban management, and international exchange,” Guo said. “It is both a milestone and a catalyst for the city’s continued rise as a world-class innovation hub.”