Photo taken on May 16, 2026 shows the APEC signs at the Suzhou Industrial Park, in Suzhou, East China"s Jiangsu Province. Photo: VCG

　　In May, mist drifts across the vast waters of Taihu Lake, while the fragrance of blossoms lingers among the signature whitewashed houses and black-tiled roofs in Suzhou, East China"s Jiangsu Province. Against the backdrop of the picturesque early-summer scenery of the Yangtze River Delta, known in Chinese as Jiangnan, Suzhou is once again stepping onto the global stage as it prepares to host the 32nd APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting.

　　Founded in 1989, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is the highest-level, broadest and most influential economic cooperation mechanism in the Asia-Pacific region. On May 22 and 23, ministerial representatives from its 21 member economies will gather in Suzhou to discuss cooperation and chart the course for development in the Asia-Pacific region.

　　As China embarks the first year of its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), Suzhou once again takes the stage in China"s home-ground diplomacy. The meeting not only reflects trust in the city"s openness and organizational capabilities, but also highlights its role in advancing the country"s development agenda and projecting China"s image to the world.

　　25 years on, Suzhou returns to the APEC spotlight

　　The year 2001 marked China"s inaugural tenure as APEC host, and it was also the year Suzhou welcomed the 8th APEC Finance Ministers" Meeting.

　　Twenty-five years later, as China assumes the role of host for the third time, Suzhou is again stepping onto the stage of China"s home-ground diplomacy by hosting the 32nd APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting.