China’s decision to host next year’s Apec summit in the innovation hub of Shenzhen reflects Beijing’s “resolve to uphold openness”, according to analysts.
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Highlighting the southern city’s spectacular growth over the past few decades, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the decision at the end of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, on Saturday.
“Located on the Pacific coast and adjacent to Hong Kong, Shenzhen has transformed from a backward fishing village into a modern international metropolis in just a few decades,” Xi said.
“Together with surrounding areas, it forms the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, which can be considered a growth pole of the world economy.”
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Analysts said China’s choice of Shenzhen as the host city reflected various considerations, including the desire to highlight the country’s gains in economic development.
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Zhu Feng, executive dean of Nanjing University’s school of international studies, described Shenzhen as “a landmark city symbolising China’s economic integration with the world”.