Overview
- The final declaration omits any reference to the Ukraine crisis and was cleared by consensus after overnight negotiations, according to South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.
- Leaders approved the APEC AI Initiative, the forum’s first shared policy vision for artificial intelligence aimed at guiding inclusive digital transformation across member economies.
- The declaration stresses practical economic priorities, including energy diversification with recognition of the role of natural gas and LNG in the region’s mix.
- Russian officials underscored shifts in finance and technology, with Vice Premier Alexey Overchuk pointing to existing alternatives to SWIFT and a growing need for critical materials.
- Parallel Russia–China talks in Beijing advanced an investment portfolio exceeding $200 billion and a ratified investment-protection agreement due to take effect in December, as Xi Jinping announced Shenzhen as the 2026 APEC host city.