APEC Ministers Adopt Chengdu Statement on AI and Digital Policy

Ministers from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies adopted the Chengdu Statement on July 23, 2026, in Chengdu, China. The agreement establishes a cooperation framework focused on five primary areas: universal digital connectivity, using AI for economic growth, enhancing digital literacy and skills, combating online scams and data breaches through a trusted digital environment, and investing in open-source digital ecosystems.

Li Lecheng, China's Minister of Industry and Information Technology, chaired the meeting under the theme “Digital Technologies and AI for the Empowerment of an Asia-Pacific Community.” He advocated for the acceleration of communication and computing infrastructure and the adoption of lightweight digital tools to help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises increase their competitiveness.

Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing opened the proceedings, which were part of the broader APEC Digital Weeks. The summit aimed to implement the APEC AI Initiative and the APEC Internet and Digital Economy Roadmap. Participants focused on balancing technological innovation with risk management, promoting digital trust, and ensuring interoperability and secure data use across the region to foster inclusive growth.