Indonesia believes young people can build bridges for APEC cooperation

China will host the 2026 APEC meeting in Shenzhen in November and welcome leaders from 21 member economies. This year's theme is "Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together," with openness, innovation and cooperation being three priorities. Shenzhen, a city renowned for its technology and innovation, serves as a microcosm of the close ties between China and the wider Asia-Pacific region. Yusrin Zata Lini, from Indonesia, has obtained a master's degree in public policy and management from Tsinghua University and is currently a policy consultant. Through her observations, China and Indonesia have already initiated practical cooperation in artificial intelligence in areas such as agriculture, fishery, education and digital talent development. The two countries have also discussed other future-oriented sectors.

China is actively expanding its influence across the Asia-Pacific through economic integration, trade, and strategic military positioning, amid growing regional tension with the U.S. and its allies. As of 2026, China is deploying naval forces near Japan and engaging in power projection in the Pacific, while focusing on economic ties with Pacific Island countries, particularly in fishing, critical minerals, and port development. 
Zata believes that APEC cooperation should not only be discussed at the government level but also involve young people. 

She thinks that young people can play an integral role in promoting APEC cooperation, especially in building bridges between different countries, cultures and ideas. The younger generation can contribute to building a more connected, inclusive and sustainable Asia-Pacific community through openness and collaboration.

As of May 12, 2026, major developments include a high-stakes US-China summit in Beijing, with President Trump meeting Xi Jinping to discuss trade, Taiwan, and technological competition, including AI and semiconductor restrictions. Regional security is strained by ongoing maritime disputes and fallout from the Iran war impacting energy supplies, while China faces economic pressures including debt and manufacturing overcapacity. 

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