#China #Seoul #Asia-Pacific #APEC #People's Daily

On October 13, 2025, the People's Daily unveiled a significant report titled "An Asia-Pacific of Vitality: Public Opinion Across 16 Countries" during the China-South Korea Media Cooperation Forum in Seoul. This comprehensive survey provides insights into the public sentiment regarding regional unity and collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting the aspirations of an interdependent community with shared interests and goals. The survey indicates a robust consensus among people from 16 diverse Asia-Pacific nations, who express a strong desire for enhanced cooperation. Notably, over 80% of respondents recognize the critical role of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in fostering regional economic development and social progress. This statistic underscores a broader acknowledgment of the mutual benefits that arise from multilateral partnerships. Furthermore, more than 70% of survey participants are eager for their respective nations to engage more actively within the APEC framework. This enthusiasm reflects a collective vision for a dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by the year 2040. The findings are particularly relevant in today's complex geopolitical landscape, where public support for multilateralism and cooperation is crucial for stability and growth. The report emphasizes a clear desire for building an open regional economy and deepening the ties between member nations. As a significant player within APEC, China's involvement is pivotal. Nearly 60% of respondents assert that China plays an instrumental role in promoting sustainable growth and prosperity throughout the Asia-Pacific. In addition, 83% of those surveyed believe that China's development experience offers valuable lessons for their own countries. Moreover, there is a notable aspiration—41% of participants hope to strengthen economic, security, and cultural exchanges with China. This public sentiment demonstrates a foundation for robust bilateral and multilateral relationships. The survey was a collaborative effort between the International News Department of People's Daily and the Global Times Institute, targeting 16 representative countries among the 21 APEC member economies. These included nations such as Australia, Canada, China, Japan, and the United States. Conducted between August 25 and September 12, the survey collected 9,077 valid responses through multilingual questionnaires, ensuring a diverse representation of views across different cultures and languages. The report stands as a testament to the vibrant demand for open cooperation and multilateralism within the region. It offers a solid backing for initiatives aimed at establishing an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future. As the global landscape continues to shift, marked by uncertainty and geopolitical challenges, the survey reveals strong regional commitment to collaboration. The upcoming 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting later this month in South Korea is anticipated to align with these findings. With China poised to host APEC for the third time next year, there is an opportunity for all member countries to work collectively toward implementing the Putrajaya Vision 2040. This vision aims to reinforce the building of an Asia-Pacific community and a Free Trade Area, with tangible cooperation outcomes across sectors that can invigorate economic growth and development across the region and beyond. In summary, the results of this survey reflect a profound public aspiration for unity and solidarity in the Asia-Pacific, positioning multilateral cooperation as a critical pathway toward shared prosperity and stability in the years ahead.