Group 1 - The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is the highest-level and most influential economic cooperation mechanism in the Asia-Pacific region, established in 1989 to address uncertainties in the multilateral trade system and promote regional economic cooperation and integration [1] - APEC has consistently adhered to the principle of open regionalism, facilitating trade and investment liberalization, which has significantly contributed to stabilizing the international economic and trade order [1] - Current global challenges such as geopolitical conflicts, trade frictions, technological risks, and climate crises necessitate cooperation among nations, with APEC serving as a vital platform for member economies to address these challenges and explore new forms of international cooperation [1] Group 2 - China played a crucial role in APEC's development, particularly during the 2014 APEC meeting, which approved significant documents like the "Beijing Roadmap for APEC's Free Trade Area" and the "APEC Connectivity Blueprint," essential for translating long-term visions into actionable steps [2] - Green growth and innovative development have emerged as key opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region, with China leading the global green transition in renewable energy and electric vehicles, providing strong momentum for addressing climate crises and promoting industrial upgrades [2] - APEC is approaching a significant historical milestone in 2026, with the completion of the "APEC Connectivity Blueprint" and the action plans for the "APEC Services Competitiveness Roadmap" and the "APEC Internet and Digital Economy Roadmap," necessitating the identification of new development directions [2]

Group 1: APEC Summit Preparation - The APEC summit is set to take place in Gyeongju, South Korea, at the end of October, with preparations nearing completion [2][3] - The main venue, the Hwaeom Conference Center, has a total area of 31,800 square meters and a construction cost of $11 million, with over 90% of the construction work completed [2] - Gyeongju is expected to gain approximately 740 billion KRW in economic benefits from the APEC summit, with long-term effects anticipated to exceed this figure [3] Group 2: Cultural and Economic Significance - The summit will feature cultural events showcasing Korea's heritage, including an exhibition of gold crowns from the Silla Dynasty and performances highlighting traditional Korean culture [3] - Gyeongju, known as a "museum on land," is home to four UNESCO World Heritage sites, enhancing its appeal during the summit [3] Group 3: Multilateral Cooperation and Trade - The APEC summit aims to promote multilateralism and regional cooperation amidst rising global uncertainties, with a focus on free trade and collaboration on issues like AI regulation and demographic changes [4][5] - The summit's theme, "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow—Connecting, Innovating, and Prosperity," aligns with the goals of enhancing trade and investment liberalization in the Asia-Pacific region [4] Group 4: China-Korea Relations - China and South Korea are significant trading partners, with bilateral trade expected to reach $328.08 billion in 2024, highlighting the importance of their economic relationship [6] - Recent policy changes, such as visa exemptions for group tourists, indicate a positive shift in bilateral relations, providing a platform for enhanced cooperation during the APEC summit [6][7] - The upcoming APEC summit in 2026 will be hosted by China, further promoting frequent exchanges and cooperation between the two nations [7]