As Asia-Pacific leaders prepare for the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, this October, China emerges as a key driver in advancing regional health collaboration. Through policy innovation and knowledge sharing, Beijing is helping shape a coordinated response to shared challenges across APEC member economies.
At March's APEC Health Working Group meeting, China Population and Development Research Center researcher Zhang Cuiling outlined strategies addressing low fertility rates and aging populations. 'These demographic shifts transcend borders,' Zhang noted, proposing enhanced data sharing and joint technological solutions among members. Her recommendations emphasized labor market reforms and policy coordination to build inclusive development models.
Chinese experts are increasingly active in APEC health dialogues, contributing to initiatives on mental health support systems, maternal care innovations, and universal healthcare frameworks. This engagement aligns with broader efforts to strengthen regional health security through technical cooperation.
A cornerstone of China's regional health strategy is the Peking University APEC Health Sciences Academy (HeSAY). Established in 2015, this think tank has advised multiple governments on life sciences policy while fostering multilateral research platforms. HeSAY's work on mental health interventions and pandemic preparedness models has informed health strategies across APEC members.
As APEC members confront interconnected health and demographic challenges, China's growing role in facilitating cross-border solutions highlights the region's evolving approach to collaborative governance. The upcoming leaders' meeting will test members' ability to translate these technical exchanges into actionable regional policies.
