APEC Summit and Ministerial Meetings: Important Dates to Know
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Leaders’ Meeting | 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, November 18 to 19, 2026, Shenzhen, China. The APEC CEO Summit runs November 17 to 18.[1] |
| Host economy | China hosts for the third time, after Shanghai in 2001 and Beijing in 2014, with about 300 events during the year.[3] |
| Ministerial highlights | Trade ministers met in Suzhou on May 22 to 23. Finance ministers met in Hong Kong on October 20 to 21.[8][10] |
The 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting takes place in Shenzhen, China, on November 18 and 19, 2026.[1] The APEC CEO Summit runs on November 17 and 18 in the same city.[2] Those two events anchor every search for the APEC leaders meeting date 2026 or the APEC summit dates.
China hosts APEC for the third time, after Shanghai in 2001 and Beijing in 2014.[3] The host year includes about 300 events across many cities.[3] Three Senior Officials’ Meetings and about ten sectoral ministerial meetings sit between the February opening and the November summit.[4]
This guide puts the APEC annual meeting calendar in one place. It shows how the meeting tiers connect, then explains the APEC trade ministers meeting, the APEC finance ministers meeting and the sectoral ministerials. Later sections cover working group schedules, the legal weight of APEC outcomes and ways to follow the process. Meeting status is current as of November 6, 2026, so most of the year’s meetings are already complete.
APEC 2026 Calendar at a Glance
Leaders’ Meeting and CEO Summit
China announced the leaders’ dates in December 2025. The Economic Leaders’ Meeting sits alongside the APEC CEO Summit and a joint ministerial meeting of foreign and trade ministers.[1] The 2026 theme is “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together.” China set three priorities: openness, innovation and cooperation.[20]
The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) hosts the CEO Summit. It expects around 1,000 political and business representatives. Topics include the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, connectivity, artificial intelligence and sustainable development.[2]
Shenzhen is a notable choice. It is the first time in 12 years that China hosts the leaders’ meeting.[2] The city is widely seen as China’s technology hub, and it sits in Guangdong province. Our article on why Guangdong is China’s IP powerhouse explains why that region matters for patents and brands.
Full 2026 Meeting Calendar
Status reflects November 6, 2026.
| Date (2026) | Meeting | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 1 to 10 | First Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM1) and related meetings[4] | Guangzhou | Completed |
| May 11 to 17 | Committee and working group meetings, nearly 40 in total[6] | Shanghai | Completed |
| May 18 to 19 | Second Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM2)[5] | Shanghai | Completed |
| May 22 to 23 | Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT)[8] | Suzhou | Completed |
| Aug 17 to 28 | Third Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM3) and related meetings; plenary on Aug 27 to 28[7] | Dalian | Completed |
| Aug 24 to 25 | Food Security Ministerial Meeting[13] | Hangzhou | Completed |
| Sept 4 | Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting[12] | Guangzhou | Completed |
| Sept 10 to 11 | Energy Ministerial Meeting[14] | Beijing | Completed |
| Sept 21 | Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting[15] | Nanjing | Completed |
| Oct 20 to 21 | Finance Ministers’ Meeting (FMM)[10] | Hong Kong | Completed |
| Nov 3 | 37th APEC Ministerial Meeting (foreign and trade ministers), by video conference[11] | Beijing | Completed |
| Nov 17 to 18 | APEC CEO Summit[2] | Shenzhen | Upcoming |
| Nov 18 to 19 | 33rd Economic Leaders’ Meeting[1] | Shenzhen | Upcoming |
What Has Happened and What Is Still Ahead
The three Senior Officials’ Meetings are finished. They took place in Guangzhou in February, Shanghai in May and Dalian in August.[4][5][7] The trade ministers met in Suzhou in May, and the finance ministers met in Hong Kong in October.[8][10]
Only two events remain: the CEO Summit and the Leaders’ Meeting, both in Shenzhen.[1][2] Executives who travel to China for meetings or sourcing can also check the Canton Fair 2026 dates, because many buyers combine the two trips.
Key Takeaways on the 2026 Calendar
- The Leaders’ Meeting is on November 18 to 19, 2026, in Shenzhen.
- The CEO Summit runs one day earlier, on November 17 to 18.
- Three Senior Officials’ Meetings took place in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Dalian.
- The trade ministers (May) and finance ministers (October) have both met.
How the APEC Meeting Cycle Works
The Five-Layer Structure, From Working Groups to Leaders
APEC works through a chain of linked meetings. From top to bottom, the five layers are the Leaders’ Meeting, ministerial meetings, Senior Officials’ Meetings, committees with their working groups, and the Secretariat.[16][17] Leaders set direction. Ministers set sector priorities. Senior officials oversee the technical work and prepare recommendations for ministers and leaders.[16]
Four core committees coordinate the working level: the Committee on Trade and Investment, the Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation, the Economic Committee, and the Budget and Management Committee.[17] Working groups, expert groups and task groups sit under them and handle specific policy areas.[16] A permanent Secretariat in Singapore handles program management.[18]
What Senior Officials’ Meetings Do and Why There Are Three
Senior Officials’ Meetings are the main channel for preparing outcomes for the leaders’ meeting. China’s foreign ministry says they take place four to five times a year.[19] In 2026 the cycle began with an informal meeting in Shenzhen in December 2025, followed by three formal rounds.[20][4]
Each round bundles many smaller meetings around one plenary. The Shanghai round opened with nearly 40 committee and working group meetings on May 11 to 17. The plenary followed on May 18 and 19.[6][5] The Dalian round was the largest of the year, with more than 3,000 representatives.[7] Three rounds give working groups time to report, revise and finalize deliverables before November.
Why the Leaders’ Meeting Is Called “Informal”
The gathering is often described as an informal meeting. APEC explains that it runs on voluntary cooperation and consensus, and its decisions are non-binding.[16] The annual leaders’ meeting began in 1993.[18] The label fits that approach. Leaders hold dialogue and agree on shared direction instead of signing a treaty. A later section explains what this means for businesses and IP owners.
Key Takeaways on the Meeting Cycle
- APEC has five layers: leaders, ministers, senior officials, committees and working groups, and the Secretariat.
- Senior Officials’ Meetings prepare the leaders’ deliverables and run several times a year.
- Each Senior Officials’ round bundles dozens of committee and working group meetings.
- The “informal” label reflects APEC’s voluntary, consensus-based approach.
APEC Ministerial Meetings Explained
Trade Ministers’ Meeting (MRT)
The APEC trade ministers meeting took place in Suzhou on May 22 and 23, 2026. China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao chaired it, and representatives of all 21 economies attended.[8][9] It ended with the 2026 Ministers Responsible for Trade Joint Statement, known as the Suzhou Statement.[8] Ministers also approved the APEC Roadmap for Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Services.[9]
Chinese officials describe this meeting as a midyear fixture that feeds outcomes into the leaders’ meeting and signals trade policy direction.[9] The statement also welcomed supply chain connectivity work on digital trade procedures and paperless trade.[8]
Finance Ministers’ Meeting (FMM)
The APEC finance ministers meeting ran on October 20 and 21, 2026, in Hong Kong. It was the 33rd annual gathering, chaired by China’s Finance Minister Lan Fo’an.[10] Hong Kong hosted the finance track for the first time.[21] The ministers issued a joint statement on October 21 that reaffirmed the goal of an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040.[22] Side seminars covered supply chain finance and capital for nature.[22]
Sectoral Ministerials
China scheduled about ten sectoral ministerials between May and October.[4] Four of them have clear dates:
- Food Security Ministerial Meeting (11th), Hangzhou, August 24 to 25.[13]
- Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting (32nd), Guangzhou, September 4.[12]
- Energy Ministerial Meeting (16th), Beijing, September 10 to 11.[14]
- Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting (8th), Nanjing, September 21.[15]
Which Ministerials Matter Most for Business
For exporters and brand owners, the trade ministers meeting matters most. It shapes the services, supply chain and digital trade agenda.[8][9] The finance meeting matters for firms that rely on cross-border payments and supply chain finance.[22]
Companies planning a China entry can pair this calendar with our guide on how to start selling in China and our overview of China IP compliance for foreign companies.
Key Takeaways on Ministerial Meetings
- The trade ministers met in Suzhou on May 22 to 23 and issued the Suzhou Statement.
- The finance ministers met in Hong Kong on October 20 to 21 and issued a joint statement.
- The trade ministerial is the most relevant one for exporters, brand owners and IP holders.
APEC Working Group and Committee Meeting Schedules
The CTI and Its Sub-Fora
The Committee on Trade and Investment (CTI) is one of APEC’s four core committees.[17] Several sub-groups report to it. The APEC calendar lists plenaries for the CTI, the Group on Services, the Sub-Committee on Standards and Conformance, and the Sub-Committee on Customs Procedures.[25] These groups meet inside each Senior Officials’ cycle. In Shanghai, nearly 40 committee and working group meetings ran from May 11 to 17, just before the second plenary.[6] Their work feeds the trade ministers’ agenda and the leaders’ deliverables. Meeting outputs from these groups often preview later ministerial language, so trade, customs and standards teams should watch them closely.
IPEG: Schedule and Role
The Intellectual Property Rights Experts’ Group (IPEG) reports to the CTI. It holds regular plenary meetings twice a year, during the Senior Officials’ cycles.[23] In 2026 the 62nd plenary took place in Guangzhou on February 5 and 6. The 63rd plenary took place in Dalian on August 20 and 21.[23]
At the Guangzhou session, experts examined how IP frameworks can support AI, regional trade links and access to finance for innovative firms.[24] IPEG works through policy dialogue and information sharing. It does not write binding IP rules. Delegates from the 21 economies attend, so the plenaries show where IP policy is heading across the region. Our team follows these policy signals when advising clients on China IP strategy.
Where Working Group Dates Are Published
The APEC events calendar for 2026 gives each meeting its own page with a date and location.[26] Host announcements add detail. China’s foreign ministry announced the Dalian dates for the third Senior Officials’ round in mid-August.[36] Joint statements and committee papers are posted in the meeting papers section of apec.org.[8] Dates for small working groups can shift, so confirm them on the official page before you travel.
Key Takeaways on Working Group Schedules
- The CTI and its sub-fora meet during each Senior Officials’ cycle.
- IPEG met in Guangzhou on February 5 to 6 and in Dalian on August 20 to 21.
- The apec.org events calendar is the primary source for working group dates.
Are APEC Outcomes Binding? Soft Law and the IP Link
Non-Binding Outcomes and Why They Still Matter
APEC decisions are voluntary and non-binding. Economies agree by consensus, and no treaty obligations follow.[16] You cannot cite an APEC statement as the legal basis for a rights claim. You can still use it as policy intelligence. A joint statement shows where member economies want to move on trade, services and digital rules. That helps companies time filings, contracts and regulatory talks.
IPEG, PPH and Practical Value for Patent Filers
The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) is a work-sharing arrangement between patent offices. An applicant with allowable claims at one office can ask another participating office to examine the matching application faster.[28] Patent offices set up PPH through bilateral and multilateral pilots, not through APEC itself. CNIPA has built PPH cooperation with offices in 38 countries or regions since November 2011.[27] A new EPO and CNIPA programme also started on August 1, 2026.[28] Our guide to fast-track patent applications in China explains the main speed-up routes.
China’s Confidentiality Examination Before Foreign Filing
Cross-border patent plans must also respect Chinese law. Inventions completed in China face a foreign filing check, whichever APEC economy you target.
Patent Law of the PRC (2020 amendment), Article 19, paragraph 1
In substance: any entity or individual that wants to file a foreign patent application for an invention or utility model completed in China must first report to the patent administration authority under the State Council for a confidentiality examination.[29][30]
Implementing Rules of the Patent Law, Article 8
In substance: an invention “completed in China” means one whose substantive technical solution was made within Chinese territory.[29]
The same rule sat in Article 20 before the 2020 amendment renumbered it.[30] In 2022, CNIPA’s first successful invalidation under this rule voided a patent entirely, and a Chinese inventor address alone did not settle where an invention was completed.[29] Speak with counsel through our patent and design service before any foreign filing.
Key Takeaways on Soft Law and IP
- APEC outcomes are non-binding but signal policy direction.
- PPH is a bilateral tool between patent offices, and CNIPA has links with 38 countries or regions.
- Article 19 of the Patent Law requires a confidentiality examination before foreign filing of inventions completed in China.
How to Follow and Participate in APEC Meetings
Official Sources for Schedule Updates
Four steps keep you current on dates and outcomes. Repeat them before each major event, because schedules and venues can change.
- Check the 2026 events calendar on apec.org for dates and locations. Each meeting has its own page.[26]
- Read host-economy announcements from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the lead ministries. They confirm dates and venues close to each event.[36]
- Open the meeting papers section for joint statements. These are the primary record of what ministers agreed.[8]
- Follow the APEC Business Advisory Council for private-sector input and its own meeting dates.[31]
ABAC and the CEO Summit
ABAC is APEC’s official business advisory body. APEC leaders created it in 1995 to bring the private-sector view into the process.[33] Each economy has up to three members.[32] ABAC sends recommendations to leaders every year and holds a dialogue with them at the leaders’ meeting.[33] Its fourth 2026 meeting is set for November 14 to 16 in China.[31]
The CEO Summit follows on November 17 and 18 in Shenzhen. It expects around 1,000 political and business representatives. China’s trade promotion council hosts it, and topics include connectivity, artificial intelligence and sustainable development.[2] Companies can also follow the summit’s published outputs without attending. Both events give companies a direct way to put policy views in front of decision makers.
The APEC Business Travel Card
From November 1, 2026, China extended the maximum stay for APEC Business Travel Card holders from 60 days to 90 days.[34][35] Eligible holders can now plan longer due diligence trips, factory visits and supplier talks in one entry. The change applies to eligible card holders, and each economy sets its own rules, so check every destination before you book. The card supports short business visits only. Our guide to China trade show strategy for foreign brands shows how to combine travel with events.
Key Takeaways on Following APEC
- Use the apec.org calendar, host announcements and meeting papers together.
- ABAC and the CEO Summit are the main business channels.
- The Business Travel Card stay in China is now up to 90 days.
Frequently Asked Questions About APEC Dates and Meetings
When and where is the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting?
The 33rd meeting takes place on November 18 and 19, 2026, in Shenzhen, China. The CEO Summit runs on November 17 and 18 in the same city. This is the third time China hosts APEC. The joint ministerial meeting of foreign and trade ministers already took place by video on November 3. Dates can still change, so confirm them on the official APEC calendar.[1][2][11]
Can the public attend APEC meetings?
Core meetings are for official delegations. Business leaders can take part through ABAC and the CEO Summit. Each economy has up to three ABAC members. Check the CEO Summit organizer for attendance rules. Everyone else can follow outcomes through official APEC and host-economy publications, such as joint statements and meeting papers.[33]
Why is the leaders’ meeting often called informal?
APEC runs on voluntary cooperation and consensus, and its decisions are non-binding. The informal label fits that approach. Leaders hold dialogue and agree on shared direction instead of signing a treaty. The annual leaders’ meeting has run since 1993, and the label has stayed with it.[16][18]
Are APEC decisions legally binding?
No. They are voluntary and non-binding. They still shape policy direction and can influence how member economies approach trade, investment and intellectual property cooperation. Treat them as policy signals, and rely on national law and treaties for legal rights.[16]
How is APEC different from the G20?
APEC is a regional forum of 21 Asia-Pacific economies focused on trade and investment cooperation. The G20 is a global forum of major economies with a broader focus on global economic stability and growth. APEC also has a permanent Secretariat in Singapore. Its members act by consensus and make no binding commitments, which keeps the forum flexible.[18]
What changed for the APEC Business Travel Card in China?
From November 1, 2026, China extended the maximum stay for card holders from 60 days to 90 days per entry. The new limit applies to eligible holders entering from that date. Card holders should still check passport and entry rules.[34]
Conclusion: Plan Around the APEC Calendar
The 2026 APEC calendar ends in Shenzhen on November 18 and 19, after three Senior Officials’ rounds and a full ministerial track. Use the official sources above to confirm dates. Treat joint statements as policy signals, not legal rights.
If your plans touch China or the wider Asia-Pacific, protect your IP before you act. Review our IP services, meet Peter H. Li and the team, or contact YCIP today for a consultation.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. APEC schedules can change. Check official sources and consult qualified counsel for your own case.
References and External Links
[1] “2026 APEC meeting to be held on Nov. 18-19 in China’s Shenzhen”, Xinhua via Shenzhen Government Online, https://www.sz.gov.cn/en_szgov/news/latest/content/post_12548726.html. Source Role: State news agency. Support Status: supports. Relevance: Confirms leaders’ meeting dates and accompanying events.
[2] “APEC CEO Summit 2026 to be held in Shenzhen from Nov. 17 to 18”, Xinhua via Shenzhen Government Online, https://www.sz.gov.cn/en_szgov/news/infocus/APEC2026/News/content/post_12977146.html. Source Role: State news agency. Support Status: supports. Relevance: CEO Summit dates, attendance and topics.
[3] “APEC host China eyes more cooperation”, Asia News Network, https://asianews.network/apec-host-china-eyes-more-cooperation/. Source Role: News network. Support Status: supports. Relevance: Third Chinese hosting, about 300 events.
[4] “China’s hosting of APEC meeting to boost regional cooperation, global growth: official”, Xinhua, https://eng.yidaiyilu.gov.cn/p/04OROOAG.html. Source Role: State news agency. Support Status: supports. Relevance: SOM1 dates and ten thematic ministerials.
[5] “Second APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting Held in Shanghai”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC, https://www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/xw/wjbxw/202605/t20260519_11913575.html. Source Role: Government ministry. Support Status: supports. Relevance: SOM2 dates and location.
[6] “Second Senior Officials’ Meeting of APEC China 2026 held in Shanghai”, Shenzhen Government Online, https://www.sz.gov.cn/en_szgov/news/infocus/APEC2026/content/post_12810274.html. Source Role: Government portal. Support Status: supports. Relevance: Nearly 40 committee and working group meetings on May 11 to 17.
[7] “Third Senior Officials’ Meeting of APEC China 2026 held in Dalian”, Xinhua via Shenzhen Government Online, https://www.sz.gov.cn/en_szgov/news/infocus/APEC2026/News/content/post_12960255.html. Source Role: State news agency. Support Status: supports. Relevance: SOM3 plenary dates and 3,000+ attendees.
[8] “2026 APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Joint Statement”, APEC, https://apec.org/meeting-papers/sectoral-ministerial-meetings/trade/2026-apec-ministers-responsible-for-trade-joint-statement. Source Role: Intergovernmental organization (primary). Support Status: supports. Relevance: Suzhou Statement, May 22 to 23, supply chain connectivity.
[9] “APEC ministers’ meeting seeks broadest common ground on economic, trade cooperation: MOC”, Xinhua via The Star, https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2026/05/24/apec-ministers039-meeting-seeks-broadest-common-ground-on-economic-trade-cooperation-moc. Source Role: News agency. Support Status: supports. Relevance: 21 economies, services roadmap, midyear role of the MRT.
[10] “APEC Finance Ministers Issue Joint Statement”, APEC via Scoop, https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO2610/S00162/apec-finance-ministers-issue-joint-statement.htm. Source Role: Republished official statement. Support Status: supports. Relevance: 33rd annual FMM, October 20 to 21, Hong Kong.
[11] “Chinese foreign minister, commerce minister to co-chair 37th APEC Ministerial Meeting”, Xinhua via People’s Daily Online, http://en.people.cn/n3/2026/1102/c90000-20514817.html. Source Role: State news agency. Support Status: supports. Relevance: November 3 video meeting from Beijing.
[12] “2026 APEC SME ministerial meeting to focus on innovation, cooperation”, CGTN, https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-08-24/2026-APEC-SME-ministerial-meeting-to-focus-on-innovation-cooperation-1PSkCyrJME8/p.html. Source Role: State broadcaster. Support Status: supports. Relevance: SME ministerial, September 4, Guangzhou.
[13] “APEC Food Security Ministers Issue Joint Statement”, APEC via Scoop, https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO2608/S00184/apec-food-security-ministers-issue-joint-statement.htm. Source Role: Republished official statement. Support Status: partial. Relevance: 11th FSMM in Hangzhou, statement dated August 25; the August 24 start comes from the APEC events page.
[14] “APEC Energy Ministers Issue Joint Statement”, APEC via Scoop, https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO2609/S00102/apec-energy-ministers-issue-joint-statement.htm. Source Role: Republished official statement. Support Status: supports. Relevance: 16th Energy Ministerial, Beijing, September 10 to 11.
[15] “APEC Human Resources Development Ministers Issue Joint Statement”, APEC via Scoop, https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO2609/S00169/apec-human-resources-development-ministers-issue-joint-statement.htm. Source Role: Republished official statement. Support Status: supports. Relevance: 8th HRD Ministerial, Nanjing, September 21.
[16] “How APEC Operates”, APEC, https://apec.org/about-us/how-apec-operates. Source Role: Intergovernmental organization (primary). Support Status: supports. Relevance: Voluntary, consensus-based, non-binding decisions; role of senior officials and working groups.
[17] “APEC at a Glance 2019”, APEC, https://www.apec.org/docs/default-source/publications/2019/2/apec-at-a-glance-2019/apec-at-a-glance-2019.pdf. Source Role: Intergovernmental organization (primary). Support Status: supports. Relevance: Four core committees and the meeting structure.
[18] “APEC Summit”, Global Summitry Project, https://globalsummitryproject.com/?p=3302. Source Role: Academic reference. Support Status: partial. Relevance: 1993 start of the annual leaders’ meeting and the Singapore Secretariat.
[19] “Second Senior Officials’ Meeting of APEC China 2026 to be held from May 18 to 19 in Shanghai: FM spokesperson”, Shenzhen Government Online, https://www.sz.gov.cn/en_szgov/news/infocus/APEC2026/News/content/post_12809184.html. Source Role: Government portal. Support Status: supports. Relevance: Senior officials’ meetings are the main channel for leaders’ outcomes, four to five times a year.
[20] “2026 APEC theme and priorities announced”, China Daily, https://subsites.chinadaily.com.cn/guangdong/gdfao/2025-12/15/c_1148064.htm. Source Role: State newspaper. Support Status: supports. Relevance: Theme, three priorities and the December 2025 informal senior officials’ meeting.
[21] “HKSAR Government welcomes Central Government’s decision to hold APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting 2026 in Hong Kong”, HKSAR Government, https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2025/12/20251212/20251212_160940_331.html. Source Role: Government. Support Status: supports. Relevance: First FMM hosted in Hong Kong.
[22] “Historic APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting 2026 successfully wraps up in Hong Kong”, Media OutReach, https://vietnamnews.vn/media-outreach/1802649/historic-apec-finance-ministers-meeting-2026-successfully-wraps-up-in-hong-kong.html. Source Role: Press release. Support Status: partial. Relevance: Joint statement goals and side seminars.
[23] “Intellectual Property Rights Experts Group”, APEC, https://www.apec.org/Groups/Committee-on-Trade-and-Investment/Intellectual-Property-Rights-Experts-Group. Source Role: Intergovernmental organization (primary). Support Status: supports. Relevance: IPEG plenary schedule and 63rd plenary in Dalian.
[24] “Intellectual Property Experts Align AI, Trade and Finance Agenda”, APEC, https://apec.org/press/news-releases/2026/0311_ipeg. Source Role: Intergovernmental organization (primary). Support Status: supports. Relevance: Topics of the 62nd IPEG plenary in Guangzhou.
[25] “APEC homepage and meetings list”, APEC, https://www.apec.org/?ddtab=true. Source Role: Intergovernmental organization (primary). Support Status: partial. Relevance: Lists CTI, Group on Services, Standards and Conformance, Customs Procedures and IPEG plenaries.
[26] “APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting (EMM)”, APEC events calendar, https://apec.org/engage-with-us/events-calendar/2026/apec-energy-ministerial-meeting-emm. Source Role: Intergovernmental organization (primary). Support Status: supports. Relevance: Example of an event page with date and location.
[27] “CNIPA-DGIP PPH Pilot Program Launched on August 1, 2026”, CNIPA, https://english.cnipa.gov.cn/art/2026/8/6/art_3090_207612.html. Source Role: Chinese patent authority. Support Status: supports. Relevance: PPH cooperation with 38 countries or regions since 2011.
[28] “Faster patent processing for applicants to the EPO and CNIPA”, European Patent Office, https://www.epo.org/en/news-events/news/faster-patent-processing-applicants-epo-and-cnipa. Source Role: Patent authority. Support Status: supports. Relevance: How PPH works; EPO and CNIPA programme from August 1, 2026.
[29] “China: Unpacking the first successful patent invalidation due to unauthorised foreign filing”, World IP Review, https://worldipreview.com/patent/china-unpacking-the-first-successful-patent-invalidation-due-to-unauthorised-foreign-filing. Source Role: Legal trade publication. Support Status: supports. Relevance: Article 19, Rule 8 and the 2022 invalidation.
[30] “Confidentiality examinations for inventions developed in China”, Managing IP, https://managingip.com/article/2c8kgnuuthdy7e1anyi9s/expert-analysis/special-focus/confidentiality-examinations-for-inventions-developed-in-china-the-legal-landscape-and-best-practice. Source Role: Legal trade publication. Support Status: supports. Relevance: Article 20 renumbered Article 19 in 2020 with the same content.
[31] “ABAC upcoming events”, APEC Business Advisory Council, https://www2.abaconline.org/?id=185. Source Role: Official advisory body. Support Status: supports. Relevance: Fourth ABAC meeting, November 14 to 16, 2026, China.
[32] “APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC)”, Australian Government Directory, https://www.directory.gov.au/node/4847. Source Role: Government. Support Status: supports. Relevance: Up to three ABAC members per economy.
[33] “Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, https://www.mofa.go.jp/ecm/apec/pagewe_000001_00360.html. Source Role: Government ministry. Support Status: supports. Relevance: ABAC recommendations and dialogue with leaders.
[34] “China: APEC Business Travel Card Validity Extended”, Fragomen, https://www.fragomen.com/insights/china-apec-business-travel-card-validity-extended.html. Source Role: Immigration law firm. Support Status: supports. Relevance: Stay extended from 60 to 90 days from November 1, 2026.
[35] “China extends permitted stay for APEC business travel card holders to 90 days”, Global Times via Shenzhen Government Online, https://www.sz.gov.cn/en_szgov/news/infocus/APEC2026/News/content/post_13049072.html. Source Role: State media. Support Status: supports. Relevance: Confirms the November 1 effective date.
[36] “China to host APEC SOM3 and related meetings in Dalian”, CGTN, https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-08-14/China-to-host-APEC-SOM3-and-related-meetings-in-Dalian-1PBLcWyewmY/p.html. Source Role: State broadcaster. Support Status: supports. Relevance: Foreign ministry announcement of the Dalian dates.
