China Uses APEC Chair to Push Free Trade, AI Rulemaking

Forecast Trend Report by Period

Amid US-China tensions, Beijing pushes FTAAP and AI agenda

Ahead of the Shenzhen summit, China steps up its bid to shape free-trade and AI rules

China is using its role as this year’s chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum to strengthen its sway over rulemaking on free trade, artificial intelligence and the digital economy.

With US-China tensions spreading across advanced technology and trade, Beijing is trying to make the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, or FTAAP, and principles for AI cooperation key outcomes of the APEC leaders’ summit. The effort is aimed at securing greater influence over the regional agenda.