Summary of Key Points
The 2026 APEC Digital and Artificial Intelligence Ministers' Meeting was held in Chengdu, where the "Chengdu Declaration" was adopted to establish an action framework for digital and intelligent cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. China showcased impressive achievements in its AI industry (with a core industry scale of over 1.2 trillion yuan, more than 6,200 companies, and the highest number of open-source model downloads globally). The meeting highlighted five key areas of collaboration, focusing on digital infrastructure connectivity and AI risk governance. China proposed a "shared approach" to promote inclusive development through digital and intelligent technologies in the Asia-Pacific region.
I. The Chengdu Declaration: A Roadmap for Digital and Intelligent Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific
The most significant outcome of the meeting was the adoption of the "Chengdu Declaration," which essentially sets a list of cooperation goals for the 21 economies in the Asia-Pacific, including China, the United States, Japan, and Australia. In simple terms, all participants agreed to use digital and AI technologies to make the region more prosperous, such as improving business efficiency and providing convenient services to citizens. This declaration is not just a statement; it serves as a guide for APEC's cooperation in the digital and intelligent fields over the next few years and sends a signal to the world that the Asia-Pacific economies are willing to work together on innovation to drive economic recovery.
II. China's AI Industry: A Strong Performance Report
The data presented in the news is quite impressive: by 2025, China's core AI industry had reached a scale of over 1.2 trillion yuan (equivalent to the GDP of two medium-sized cities), with more than 6,200 companies and the highest number of open-source model downloads globally (10 billion times). Practical applications of AI are also becoming widespread, such as AI-enabled glasses and smartphones, as well as humanoid robots being used in factories for tasks like handling and assembly. These achievements not only benefit China but also lay a foundation for cooperation with other Asia-Pacific partners. For example, China's AI technology can help other economies upgrade their industries, while the experiences of these partners can contribute to China's own progress.
III. Five Key Areas of Cooperation
The meeting identified five key areas of collaboration:
1. Consensus: Digital and intelligent technologies are the engine of growth – All participants agree that digital and AI can drive innovation, such as optimizing agriculture through AI and managing traffic with big data to boost economic growth.
2. Understanding: Security is essential – Despite the benefits of technology, risks such as data breaches and AI fraud must be addressed through collaborative efforts to control them.
3. Direction: Cooperation leads to mutual benefit – Instead of working independently, countries should jointly develop technologies and share experiences to ensure that everyone can benefit from digital and intelligent development.
4. Goal: Inclusive development ensures fairness – Digital technologies should be accessible to all regions, even those in remote areas, so that people in rural areas can receive medical consultations through AI and children can access high-quality online education.
5. Philosophy: Openness is crucial for innovation – Barriers to technology, such as the restriction of open-source models and the movement of talent, should be removed to foster a more vibrant innovation environment.
IV. Digital Infrastructure: Building a Digital Highway in the Asia-Pacific
Digital infrastructure is essential for the successful implementation of digital and intelligent technologies. The meeting called for enhanced development of 5G networks, gigabit optical networks, data centers, and computing power networks across the region. China, with its advantages in submarine fiber optic cables and satellite communications, can help other economies build these infrastructures, enabling faster data transmission and more convenient use of AI technologies. For instance, factories in Southeast Asia could connect to Chinese computing centers to rapidly design products, significantly improving efficiency.
V. AI Risk Governance: China's Approach to Mitigating Risks
While AI is advancing rapidly, it also brings risks, such as the spread of fake news and the potential replacement of jobs by robots. China has adopted a balanced approach, focusing on both development and security. It has established ethical review systems to ensure that AI technologies are used responsibly and recently released the "International Artificial Intelligence Ethics Governance Action Plan." China plans to share these experiences with APEC partners to develop common standards, monitor risks, and respond to emergencies, ensuring that AI becomes a reliable tool rather than a source of uncontrollable issues.
In summary, this meeting served as a platform for promoting digital and intelligent cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. China has demonstrated the value of these technologies and is committed to working with partners to create a benefits-sharing ecosystem where everyone can benefit from technological advancements.