China becomes the talk of the town as leaders gather for this year's APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju, the Republic of Korea. As the Asia-Pacific region faces major economic headwinds, why is China's role now more crucial than ever? And how will it work with other members to unlock a sustainable future?

Herman Tiu Laurel, president of the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, told China Daily: "As the largest trading nation in today's world, it can help APEC recover from trade wars by pushing on the bloc's free trade pacts, enhancing regional value chains, and strengthening Asia-Pacific cooperation, digital and green economies." Laurel notes China's strategic moves, such as the zero-tariff policy for African exports and infrastructure investments in APEC member states, which bolster regional connectivity and economic resilience.

Sourabh Gupta, a senior fellow at the Institute for China-America Studies, focuses on the collaborative efforts needed within APEC. He said: "The next three decades of Asia-Pacific cooperation will be more challenging than the previous three. For a region that has been the prime beneficiary of the WTO and Bretton Woods institutions-centered order and its political and legal underpinnings, it now falls on the broad shoulders of China and APEC to defend the principles of trade multilateralism and regional development." Gupta emphasizes that this partnership is key to maintaining the Asia-Pacific as a dynamic hub of economic interdependence.

As APEC leaders push to connect, innovate, and prosper, one thing is clear: China's active role and its team-up with other members are key to addressing today's challenges and building a sustainable future. Only by carrying the spirit of cooperation forward can APEC economies actively build a resilient global economy and prosper together.