China looks to APEC leaders' declaration at Shenzhen meeting

China said on Friday that it hopes leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) will adopt a joint declaration at the upcoming meeting in Shenzhen.

The 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be held in Shenzhen, south China, from November 18 to 19.

This marks the first time in 12 years that China is hosting the APEC meeting, said Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, at a regular press briefing.

"We hope that all parties will further build consensus and reach the Shenzhen Declaration," Mao said.

She said China hopes the meeting next week will deliver practical outcomes in key areas, including trade, connectivity, the digital economy and artificial intelligence, injecting strong momentum into prosperity and growth in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

The Shenzhen meeting marks the third time China has hosted the APEC meeting, following Shanghai in 2001 and Beijing in 2014.

Held under the theme "Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together," this year's gathering will focus on three priority areas identified by China: openness, innovation and cooperation.