- China said it is using its APEC chairmanship to strengthen its leadership over rules governing free trade, artificial intelligence (AI) and the digital economy.
- China said it is seeking to secure greater control over the regional agenda by pursuing a separate FTAAP statement and an AI and digital economy outcome document as key deliverables for the APEC leaders’ summit.
- Analysis in diplomatic circles holds that China is using the Shenzhen Declaration at APEC Shenzhen to quickly lay out proposals on the FTAAP, AI and the digital economy, and inclusive growth as it moves to shape the economic order and technology standards.
China Uses APEC Chair to Push Free Trade, AI Rulemaking
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.
bloomingbit
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Aug 28, 2026 at 7:58 AM UTC · Updated vor 26 Minuten · 4 Min. Lesezeit

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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.
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