China Convenes Asia-Pacific Media Forum in Shenzhen Ahead of APEC Summit

Senior Chinese officials and international media representatives gathered in Shenzhen for the Asia-Pacific Media Forum, an event organized to set the regional narrative ahead of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting hosted by China. Addressing over 400 delegates from more than 40 countries and territories, Communist Party propaganda chief Li Shulei and Guangdong Party Secretary Huang Kunming called for stronger media cooperation to highlight open economic development and technological innovation. The forum also saw 16 domestic and overseas outlets initiate a preparatory committee for an Asia-Pacific media partnership program.

Serving as a major preparatory event for China's APEC host year, the forum reflects Beijing's strategy to align regional media networks behind its vision of an open Asia-Pacific economy, utilizing media partnerships to shape international discourse on trade and technological collaboration.

China convened the Asia-Pacific Media Forum in the southern technology hub of Shenzhen on September 5, bringing together international media figures to establish cooperative frameworks ahead of the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, according to a report by Xinhua carried by People's Daily. Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the CPC Central Committee Publicity Department, delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony. Huang Kunming, also a Political Bureau member and Secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, attended the event and delivered opening remarks. The forum, held under the theme "Building a Path to Prosperity for the Asia-Pacific Community: Media Consensus and Action," was jointly organized by the CPC Central Committee Publicity Department, Xinhua News Agency, and the Guangdong Provincial People's Government, with Shenzhen's municipal government handling local organization. Organizers reported attendance by more than 400 representatives representing over 40 countries and territories, as well as delegates from United Nations agencies and international organizations. During the proceedings, 16 domestic and foreign media outlets launched a preparatory committee for an Asia-Pacific media partnership program. Discussions during the event centered on aligning media efforts with regional economic goals during China's APEC host year. Participants stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping's proposal to build an Asia-Pacific community provides guidance for constructing an open regional economy and advancing shared prosperity. Forum attendees highlighted that successful regional cooperation requires active media involvement, urging outlets to report comprehensively on cross-border economic progress and foster a favorable public opinion environment. Delegates also advocated using media platforms to explain policies supporting science and technology innovation, as well as conducting pragmatic joint reporting, talent development, and technical exchange to enhance mutual understanding across the region.