China's Strategic Advantage as APEC Host
Experts highlight Beijing's increased diplomatic leverage and agenda control in Shenzhen
Quick Look
Experts suggest China will leverage its role as APEC host to exert greater control over diplomatic agendas and showcase its influence, contrasting this with the limited autonomy experienced during previous summits in the United States.
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Why It Matters
The article contrasts the upcoming APEC summit in Shenzhen with a previous bilateral summit held in Washington.
Experts attributed this confidence to three key factors – a newly upgraded bilateral framework seeking a “constructive relationship of strategic stability based on respect, fairness and reciprocity”, the warmer tone during Xi’s three-day visit, and – crucially – the significant leverage of host diplomacy.
In southern China’s Shenzhen – home to technological giants Huawei, BYD and Tencent – President Xi Jinping will have greater control over the agenda and showcase Beijing’s growing diplomatic clout in ways impossible during a bilateral summit.
“As the Apec host, China will clearly possess far more autonomy in agenda-setting, topic selection, and preparatory work than it did during the Washington summit, where the US controlled the choreography while China held only participation and discussion rights,” said Chen Qi, director of the Centre for US-China Relations at Tsinghua University.
Open Questions
- What specific policy outcomes will China prioritize during the APEC summit?
