APEC Ministers Adopt Chengdu Statement on Digital and AI Cooperation
Ministers and senior officials from Asia-Pacific economies convened in Chengdu, China, on July 23, 2026, for the first dedicated APEC Digital and Artificial Intelligence Ministerial Meeting, adopting a landmark statement that sets a framework for regional cooperation on digital transformation and AI governance. The meeting, attended by over 170 representatives from APEC member economies, the APEC Secretariat, and observers, culminated in the unanimous adoption of the 2026 APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Statement, known as the Chengdu Statement.
Context: A Historic First
The meeting marks a significant milestone in APEC’s evolution: it is the first time the organization has held a dedicated Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting under this format, evolving from the former APEC Telecommunications and Information Ministerial Meeting. For China, hosting the event represented its first time chairing the Telecom/Digital Ministerial Meeting in 24 years, since 2002. The meeting was part of the broader “APEC Digital Week” in Chengdu (July 16–29, 2026), which included over 30 events, the APEC Telecommunications and Information Working Group (TELWG) 73rd meeting, and data-related activities.
According to Xinhua News, the meeting was chaired by H.E. Li Lecheng, Minister of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China, with Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing delivering the opening address.
Key Developments: The Chengdu Statement
The Chengdu Statement is structured around five main pillars: universal and meaningful digital connectivity; digital technologies and AI for economic growth; digital literacy and skills enhancement; a trusted digital environment; and investment and open source for the digital ecosystem.
One of the most notable innovations in the statement is the elevation of “open source” to APEC ministerial-level cooperation for the first time. The statement acknowledges “the important role of trusted open-source approaches in unlocking the potential of digital technologies and fostering innovation in the digital economy,” while also respecting security, data protection, and intellectual property rights.
The statement also expresses “deep concern over the escalation of online scam activities across our region,” marking a significant addition to APEC’s digital policy agenda. It calls on member economies to cooperate on ICT security, data protection, supply chain resilience, and child online protection.
Leadership Voices
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing outlined China’s vision for regional digital cooperation, stating that the country “will stay committed to innovation-driven development, advance the AI sector’s technological innovation, industrial development and application scenarios, and lead digital transformation in the Asia-Pacific region,” as reported by English.gov.cn. He also emphasized that China would “strengthen coordination on development strategies, governance rules and technical standards, and work together to build a fair and equitable global AI governance system.”
Minister Li Lecheng struck a diplomatic tone, telling delegates that “the history of Asia-Pacific prosperity and development shows that cooperation is the only path to progress, and that non-cooperation poses the greatest risk. Decoupling and disrupting supply chains benefits no one,” according to China Daily. Li added that “through exchanges and mutual learning, we will inspire innovation and pursue common development by enabling each other’s success.”
Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat, praised China’s emphasis on 5G and connectivity, noting that “China has put a great deal of emphasis on the application of 5G and connectivity.” He also highlighted Chengdu’s emergence as a technology hub, describing it as “one of the first cities in China to really open up” with a focus on technology.
Analysis: Implications for the Region
The unanimous adoption of the Chengdu Statement demonstrates continued multilateral cooperation on technology governance despite global geopolitical tensions. The meeting operationalizes the APEC AI Initiative (2026-2030), adopted in 2025, and aligns with the broader APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 for an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community.
A particularly significant aspect is the strong emphasis on supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with affordable, easy-to-deploy digital solutions. The statement encourages member economies to “continue supporting MSMEs by providing affordable and easy-to-deploy digital products and solutions.” This focus reflects a recognition that digital transformation must be inclusive to be sustainable.
Sichuan Province, which hosted the event, showcased its own tech ambitions. Zhao Wenqiao, Deputy Head of the Sichuan Provincial Department of Economy and Information Technology, revealed that the province now hosts over 1,900 AI companies, with industry revenue exceeding 190 billion yuan ($28 billion) last year, and more than 70 key tech breakthroughs achieved.
What’s Next
The Chengdu Statement provides a framework for action, but implementation will depend on individual APEC economies. Key questions remain: How will the statement’s principles be translated into national policies across diverse economies with varying levels of digital development? Will the open-source emphasis lead to concrete collaboration projects? And how will the anti-online scam provisions be operationalized?
The next APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting is scheduled to take place in Viet Nam in 2027, where progress on the commitments made in Chengdu will be assessed. For now, the Chengdu Statement stands as a testament to the region’s collective commitment to harnessing digital technologies and AI for shared prosperity—and a signal that, in the words of Minister Li Lecheng, cooperation remains the only path forward.