The recent 2026 APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting in Chengdu, China, has underscored a collective recognition of artificial intelligence as a transformative force. As one delegate noted, “We are witnessing a historic shift where AI is reshaping how we live and work,” emphasizing the need for greater connectivity to amplify the benefits of the digital era.
The meeting focused on how AI can empower various sectors and how APEC economies can strengthen cooperation. Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat, highlighted that AI is rapidly entering all facets of the economy, changing how healthcare enterprises operate, public services are delivered, and economic competition occurs.
An exhibition outside the main venue showcased the tangible progress of digital and intelligent empowerment. Examples included AI glasses capable of real-time translation in over 200 languages, humanoid robots performing household tasks like sorting items and delivering goods, and AI visual inspection systems demonstrating quality control processes in real-time.
Seizing Opportunities and Building Consensus
A clear consensus emerged: seizing the opportunities presented by AI and fully unlocking its value is a shared priority. Chinese Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Li Lecheng, noted that China has made significant strides in developing digital and AI technologies. He stated that in 2025, China has over 6,200 AI companies, with the core industry surpassing 1.2 trillion yuan. The application rate of AI technology in large-scale manufacturing firms exceeds 30%, and the country has produced more than 400 models of humanoid robots, accounting for over half the global total. Furthermore, nearly 200 key national and industry standards for AI have been released, and the number of active open-source projects in China has surpassed 4.25 million.
Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, and Health, Janil Puthucheary, shared his country's experience in using AI to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). He noted that many MSMEs are unsure how to use AI to fundamentally reshape their business processes. “We have developed industry-specific AI guidebooks to help businesses and associations better apply AI solutions, aiming to move them from an ‘experimental stage’ to a true ‘transformation stage’,” he said.
Focus on Real-World Problem Solving
Zhang Qi, Global Senior Vice President at Microsoft, emphasized that the greatest value of AI lies in solving real problems, helping people detect issues earlier and make better decisions. He cited Microsoft’s use of AI to analyze satellite imagery, sound data, and ecological data to help protect rainforests, marine ecosystems, and endangered species.
The Imperative of Cooperation
“Collaboration” was a recurring theme throughout the conference. Prasert Jantararuangtong, Thailand’s Minister of Digital Economy and Society, urged that progress should not be measured by who moves faster, but by whether we are “walking together.” He called for enhanced cooperation to build trusted digital infrastructure and promote the widespread adoption of AI capacity building.
Mira Tayyiba, Director General for Digital Government Technology at Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, echoed this sentiment. She stated that the transformative potential of digital and AI technologies can only be fully realized through collaboration. “We are willing to strengthen cooperation with all APEC economies, promote responsible AI innovation, and share practical experiences to accelerate digital transformation across all sectors,” she said.
For the first time, the meeting elevated the concept of “open source” to the level of APEC ministerial cooperation. “The principles of openness, inclusiveness, and interconnectivity championed by APEC are highly aligned with the spirit of open source. We are keen to deepen cooperation with developers, businesses, and community partners from all APEC economies in areas such as open-source technology, talent cultivation, and standards co-creation,” said Li Bo, Deputy Secretary-General of the OpenAtom Foundation.
China’s Role as a Collaborative Leader
China has consistently been an advocate, promoter, and pioneer in international cooperation on AI capacity building and digital empowerment. Recently, the signing ceremony for the agreement to establish the World AI Cooperation Organization was held in Shanghai. In the next five years, China will also provide 5,000 training opportunities on AI topics for developing countries.
Wei Wei, Director of the Science and Technology Department of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, stated, “China will practice the Global AI Governance Initiative, and building on the outcomes of this ministerial meeting, we will work with all APEC economies to jointly promote the development of the AI industry and its comprehensive empowerment.” He further elaborated that China will work with APEC partners to build various innovation platforms, strengthen technical exchanges and result commercialization, co-create high-value scenarios and typical applications, and share China’s approach to AI governance. This includes promoting mutual recognition of standards and jointly conducting risk monitoring, early warning, and emergency response to enhance the safety, reliability, and controllability of AI.
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