#China #Shenzhen #APEC #Kishore Mahbubani

APEC Meeting in Shenzhen and Its Global Implications

In December 2025, Shenzhen hosted an informal meeting of senior officials for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). This meeting serves as a precursor to the upcoming economic leaders' summit scheduled for 2026, drawing attention to the rapid advancements within the city and their potential influence on global development. Renowned diplomat Kishore Mahbubani, former Singaporean ambassador to the United Nations and a participant in APEC's first-ever leaders' summit in 1993, expressed his insights during a visit to Shenzhen.

Mahbubani commended Shenzhen, referring to it as “the fastest-developing city in the history of the world.” He believes that the industrial transformation witnessed in the city can inspire nations globally. Standing atop a skyscraper that offers a panoramic view of Shenzhen Bay, Mahbubani reminisced about the landscape decades ago – where vast paddy fields stretched before the city grew into a global metropolis.

As he visited BYD, a prominent electric vehicle manufacturer based in Shenzhen, Mahbubani was presented with new models and safety demonstrations of the company’s innovative blade battery technology. Founded three decades ago, BYD has expanded its reach to over 116 countries, exemplifying the shift from traditional manufacturing to high-tech industries that Macau embodies.

This year marks a significant milestone: the 45th anniversary since Shenzhen was declared a special economic zone, a pivotal moment that catalyzed the city’s evolution into one of mainland China's largest urban economies. Mahbubani highlighted how Shenzhen's development reflects a blend of robust institutions and proactive government support. At the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub, he engaged with startups and Hong Kong-funded businesses that enjoy integrated government services and assistance, a framework he found both effective and replicable.

Moreover, he underscored the changing dynamics of Shenzhen's relationship with Hong Kong, noting a shift from a one-way contagion effect towards mutual reinforcement. With a vibrant, youthful population and a rich ecosystem of innovation, Shenzhen is poised at the forefront of emerging industries, ranging from electric vehicles to augmented reality technologies.

Amidst a backdrop of global economic slowdown, Mahbubani emphasizes that Shenzhen presents a new lens for viewing development. He concludes that Shenzhen’s remarkable achievements in such a short time frame can indeed serve as a wellspring of inspiration for other countries. The potential lessons from Shenzhen could reshape how nations approach economic growth and innovation, ultimately contributing to the broader aims of sustainable global development.