Ninth Stop: Shanghai,China

The Ninth APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting was held in Shanghai on October 21, 2001, marking China’s first time hosting the event. Under the theme “Meeting New Challenges in the New Century: Achieving Common Prosperity through Participation and Cooperation,” leaders discussed global and regional economic landscapes, human resource development, and APEC’s future direction. The meeting adopted the APEC Leaders’ Declaration and the Shanghai Accord. As a symbol of unity, the leaders wore traditional Chinese Tang suits for the group photo. Notably, in response to the Sept. 11 attacks, they issued the APEC Leaders’ Statement on Counter-Terrorism.

Shanghai, a municipality directly under the Chinese Central Government, is a world-class megacity. Spanning 6,340.5 sqkm and home to 25 million permanent residents, it serves as the vibrant core of the Yangtze River Delta city cluster. Shanghai is an international powerhouse in economy, finance, trade, shipping, and technological innovation. As a nationally recognized historical and cultural city, it holds deep significance as the birthplace of the Communist Party of China. Its urban landscape is a living museum, showcasing a diverse tapestry of architectural styles that span different eras and cultures, reflecting a unique blend of heritage and modernity.