As China hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation - APEC - summit this year, three words stand out in its agenda: openness, innovation and cooperation.

These themes were highlighted as three important ways in which Chinese modernization is creating new opportunities for the Asia-Pacific.

The discussion is particularly relevant as the Asia-Pacific Media Forum 2026 is bringing together media representatives in Shenzhen, South China, to discuss the region's development and future.

While the discussion goes beyond the media community, it highlights a pressing question as to how development opportunities can translate into broader prosperity across the region.

According to the forum, openness means more opportunities to connect with China's growth.

Chinese modernization is taking place in an economy deeply integrated with the Asia-Pacific. China accounts for more than a quarter of APEC's combined GDP, while its trade and investment ties with regional economies continue to strengthen.

The scale of China-ASEAN economic ties offers a telling example. In 2025, trade between China and ASEAN reached 7.55 trillion yuan, or more than one trillion US dollars, up eight percent year-on-year. ASEAN remained China's largest trading partner.

It was noted that as Chinese consumers demand more diverse goods and services and Chinese industries continue to upgrade, the large and growing market creates space for businesses across the region.

It was observed that openness therefore does more than keep trade flowing. It allows China's development to generate demand and opportunities beyond its borders.