China's development central to the Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific stands at a defining point. Home to more than half of humanity, it is experiencing profound transformation.

Economies are rising, technologies are reshaping daily life, and new forms of cooperation are emerging as global institutions struggle to adapt to today's challenges.

Among these forces, China's development and its vision of a community with a shared future for humanity have become central to our region, demonstrating how change can improve the lives and well-being of millions.

The Asia-Pacific is more connected, more modern and more resilient than ever before. The challenge we face is how we can make this align with the unique aspirations of the people of this region as they seek peace, prosperity and shared progress.

China's vision is reflected in its neighborhood diplomacy, such as a community with a shared future with neighboring countries and subregional cooperation frameworks. At its heart are mutual respect, development support and collective security — principles that resonate across the cultures of the Asia-Pacific.

Thus, connectivity becomes a foundation of shared prosperity.

Through Belt and Road cooperation, Asian neighbors have signed cooperation documents that support railway, port and economic corridors, backed by digital infrastructure.

Trade between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations surpassed $1 trillion in 2025, making ASEAN China's largest trading partner for six consecutive years.

Special economic zones, cross-border highways and new logistics routes are enabling countries to participate far more fully in regional and global value chains, delivering shared prosperity. This connectivity is not just about infrastructure — it is about giving every nation opportunities to benefit from smoother trade, stronger supply chains and shared growth, particularly in times of instability.

China's modernization has also created opportunities for the region. China contributes more than one-quarter of APEC's combined GDP.

China's investment in research and development, nearly 4 trillion yuan ($597.67 billion) in 2025, is driving innovation in green energy, digital platforms and advanced manufacturing.

And yes, it is competitive pressure for economies that are used to being dominant. But China is offering many citizens globally the advantage of their innovation at competitive prices with manufacturing excellence in electric vehicles and solar energy, along with other innovations that are becoming compelling to consumers, not only in China, but worldwide.

China's modernization can provide other countries with access to new technologies, markets and development pathways.

The future of the Asia-Pacific will be digital, whether we like it or not. China has called for unleashing digital and smart development to strengthen innovation-driven growth. Initiatives such as the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization aim to support global AI governance and reduce the digital divide. Emerging AI risks make this work increasingly urgent.

In my opinion, China can again be a leader, by using its strength in commercial stock exchanges and corporate governance rules and frameworks of companies to hold AI developers, directors and possible investors responsible, financially, for any detrimental impacts leading to unintended AI developments.

These individual incentives and other initiatives, placed correctly, will define whether AI will shape our world or we will shape AI.

Climate resilience is another shared priority. China's ecological vision promotes green development, a low-carbon transition and the wider flow of green technologies, aligning with the aspirations of Asia-Pacific nations seeking sustainable growth. Countries are at different stages of development, so collaboration and solutions tailored to their needs are critical.

China's strengths in solar photovoltaics, energy storage and electric mobility can accelerate the region's shift to cleaner energy systems, creating both environmental and economic opportunities.

China's Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative offer frameworks for cooperation that emphasize fairness, stability, cultural respect and people-centered growth.

Countries can participate in these frameworks without requiring universal agreement in advance.

As the Asia-Pacific demonstrates, rules matter, but commitment to collaboration is equally important.

These initiatives are increasingly influential across the Asia-Pacific, supporting the development of projects in education, health, finance, tourism and digital transformation.

China has also positioned itself as a connector between developed and developing economies, regional institutions and different governance systems.

The Asia-Pacific is entering a new era. China's development, its modernization and its vision for a shared future are now shaping the contours of that era.

The author is a former prime minister of New Zealand and co-chair of the advisory board of the Mencius Foundation. She chaired APEC economic leaders' meeting as prime minister in 1999.

The article is adapted from her keynote speech at the Mingde Strategic Dialogue 2026. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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