When China joined the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 1991, few could have predicted how profoundly it would reshape both the forum and the region. Over three decades later, as leaders concluded the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting this week, China's transformation from newcomer to cornerstone of multilateral cooperation stands as one of modern globalization's defining narratives.
"China has consistently advanced regional integration through concrete actions," explains Victor Gao, chair professor at Soochow University and vice president of the Center for China and Globalization. "From infrastructure development to digital economy initiatives, its approach combines pragmatism with long-term vision."
This evolution manifests in three key areas:
Trade Architecture: As the world's second-largest economy, China now drives 21% of APEC members' total trade, championing initiatives like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Development Innovation: The Belt and Road Initiative's synergy with APEC connectivity goals has accelerated infrastructure development across emerging Asian economies.
Global Governance: China's climate commitments and pandemic response coordination have expanded APEC's traditional trade focus into new multilateral frontiers.
For business leaders, this trajectory signals enduring opportunities. Cross-border e-commerce between China and other APEC members grew 9.6% year-on-year in 2023, while green energy partnerships are unlocking $47 billion in clean technology investments.
As APEC members navigate geopolitical shifts and economic headwinds, China's blend of scale, institutional engagement, and policy continuity positions it as both regional stabilizer and global agenda-setter – a dual role that will likely define Asia's next chapter of development.
