Editor's note: Yang Xing is a research fellow at the Center for International Development and Governance, Zhejiang University. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN. It has been translated from Chinese and edited for brevity and clarity.

Amid slowing trade growth and rising external uncertainties across the Asia-Pacific region, the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting is being held in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, under the theme of "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper." The focus of the event goes beyond regional cooperation, to the very trajectory of future global governance. Against this backdrop, China advocates openness, cooperation, and mutual benefit, seeking to counter fragmentation risks through pragmatic collaboration.

"Connect": Solidifying the foundation through institutional opening up and supply chain synergy

Connectivity is the prerequisite, the key to which lies in breaking down barriers and aligning rules. In the face of supply chain restructuring and external pressures from "de-risking," Asia-Pacific economies must advance from "physical connectivity" to "institutional alignment".

First, guided by the upgrade of the China–ROK Free Trade Agreement, efforts should be made to expand services trade, digital trade, and investment facilitation. 

Second, under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership framework, both economies should deepen mechanisms for cumulative rules of origin, mutual recognition of standards, and the "single window" system to lower institutional transaction costs. 

Third, "green channels" for critical materials and coordinated contingency mechanisms should be established to enhance the visibility and resilience of supply chains. 

"De-risking" isn't the synonym of "de-cooperation". Only interconnected markets and stable industrial chains can provide the certainty businesses need for medium- to long-term planning.

"Innovate": Driving a digital transformation community through AI cooperation

Innovation is the engine, and its essence lies in translating collaboration into tangible productivity gains. The Republic of Korea is accelerating the transformation of core industries such as AI and semiconductors through tax reductions and exemptions, R&D incentives, and talent development. 

By contrast, China advocates building an open, trustworthy, and inclusive AI ecosystem and has launched the Global AI Governance Action Plan, contributing "Asian wisdom" to international rule-making. 

Future cooperation should focus on three areas: First, it is essential to jointly develop cross-border networks of computing power and green data centers to enhance the resilience of regional digital infrastructure. 

Second, pilot programs of "co-research, co-testing, and co-application" should be conducted in fields such as intelligent manufacturing, robotics, and automotive components to integrate innovation and industrial chains. 

Third, mechanisms for cross-border data security and compliance must be established through the model of "regulatory sandbox + data governance dialogue" where innovation should not become a new barrier. 

Only by upholding the principles of openness and cooperation can we transform technological potential into real productivity for inclusive growth.

"Prosper": Promoting inclusive growth through cultural economy and culture-tourism integration

Prosperity is the goal, emphasizing both the scope and substantive quality of growth. The APEC High-Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries was held for the first time, highlighting the multiplier effect and cross-sectoral dynamism of the cultural economy. 

Policy-wise, efforts can be made to promote the development of cross-border cultural tourism, co-productions in film and television programs, and collaborations in performing arts IPs. Digital copyright protection should be enhanced, and inclusive cultural finance mechanisms should be improved, with particular support for small and medium-sized enterprises and young people. 

At the same time, China is continuing to inject certainty through investment in new energy and initiatives aimed at stabilizing industrial chains. New energy vehicles, energy storage, and clean power equipment are boosting green demand and driving the development of local supporting infrastructure. China is also deepening high-standard opening up in fields such as ports, logistics, and cross-border e-commerce to stabilize both industrial and consumer expectations.

Connectivity serves as the prerequisite, innovation the engine, and prosperity the goal. If tangible progress can be achieved across the "lists of rule alignment, innovation cooperation, and inclusive growth," the Asia-Pacific region can offset external uncertainties with the certainty of openness. 

Together with the Republic of Korea and other partners, China will continue to advance institutional opening up, foster collaboration in AI and the digital economy, and expand inclusive growth through cultural and green transformation, thereby offering replicable, scalable, and measurable Chinese solutions and regional public goods for "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow."