China to 'expand pathway for regional free trade area'
China will work to promote the adoption of an outcome document that is clear in direction and rich in content at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders' Meeting to be held in Shenzhen later this year, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said. Wang also said Beijing will actively expand the pathway for the building of an Asia-Pacific free trade area and promote the formulation of a blueprint for upgrading connectivity, Xinhua News Agency reported. The foreign minister made the comments while addressing the opening session of the First Senior Officials' Meeting of Apec China 2026 in Guangzhou on Tuesday. He added that China will promote the digital, intelligent and green transition for Apec members, and that it will also work towards deepening practical cooperation in various fields around development-related governance issues. Wang noted that the 2026 Apec "China Year" coincides with the start of the country's 15th Five-Year Plan, and Beijing will continue to open up and deepen reform as well as offer new opportunities to the region and the world.