APEC Summit Concludes with Focus on AI Governance, demographic Shifts
BUSAN, South Korea – The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit concluded Saturday in South Korea with leaders addressing emerging challenges including artificial intelligence (AI) governance and rapidly changing demographics, alongside traditional trade and investment priorities. While Friday’s discussions centered on bolstering economic ties, Saturday’s agenda highlighted the need for regional cooperation in navigating the complexities of AI development, aging populations, and evolving cultural landscapes.
The summit saw Chinese President Xi Jinping propose the creation of a new international body,the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Association,advocating for the “sound and orderly development” of AI with consideration for global well-being. This proposal comes as APEC leaders issued a joint statement calling for a coordinated approach to AI,recognizing its potential as an economic driver while acknowledging associated challenges.
Established in 1989,APEC champions free and open trade and investment to promote regional economic integration. However, the organization now faces a complex environment shaped by the U.S.-China rivalry, supply chain disruptions, and demographic shifts. Xi also signaled China’s commitment to global free trade and supply chain stability, positioning the country as an choice to protectionist policies, and stating that “investing in China is investing in the future.”
Notably, U.S. President Donald Trump departed South Korea shortly after a meeting with Xi, allowing the Chinese president to take center stage at the summit. The U.S. has previously distanced itself from efforts to regulate AI and is considered unlikely to join the proposed global AI organization. A separate APEC statement urged collaborative efforts to address declining birth rates, aging populations, and increasing urbanization across the region.
