ROK envoy sees Shenzhen APEC meeting as opportunity to deepen cooperation

The upcoming APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen offers an opportunity for China and the Republic of Korea to deepen cooperation in technological innovation and industrial development amid growing global challenges, ROK Ambassador to China Ro Jae-hun said on Thursday.

Speaking at Renmin University of China in Beijing, Ro said the November meeting would be particularly significant as multilateralism comes under increasing pressure.

The meeting, scheduled for Nov 18 and 19, follows the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting hosted by the ROK in Gyeongju. Ro stressed the importance of building on last year's discussions while advancing cooperation on emerging challenges.

He described Shenzhen as a symbol of China's technological progress and innovation, noting that the city has become home to numerous high-tech companies.

Ro also highlighted the recent World Korean Business Convention and Korea Business Expo in Shenzhen, which brought together business leaders from around the world to explore closer cooperation in supply chains and technology between China and the ROK.

He expressed hope that the APEC meeting and related business events would create fresh opportunities for China-ROK cooperation.

During his lecture, Ro identified peace, innovation and culture as three areas in which the two countries could strengthen ties while contributing to global development.

The ambassador highlighted the potential for cooperation in AI, robotics, biomedicine, the silver economy and renewable energy, saying the two countries could combine their strengths to address shared challenges and contribute to global progress.

Ro said young people would be central to advancing cooperation, describing them not merely as a force for the future but as active participants in shaping bilateral relations today.