APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting (TELMIN 12) and Other High-Level Events Held

Jul 31, 2026

From Thursday, July 16, 2026, to Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the APEC Digital Week was held in Chengdu, the People's Republic of China. The Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting (TELMIN 12) was held during the Digital Week. Attending from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) was Mr. SHIBUYA Toshihiko, Deputy Director-General for IT Strategy. In the meeting, representatives from APEC countries and regions discussed various issues related to information and telecommunications policies and adopted the Ministerial Statement as an outcome document. In conjunction with the ministerial meeting, multiple high-level events were held on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, and Deputy Director-General Shibuya attended them on behalf of METI.

Following the previous year's meeting in Incheon, the Republic of Korea, this year's APEC ministerial meeting on information and telecommunications was held in Chengdu, the People's Republic of China.

In this year's event, discussions were held on the three major themes set under the chairmanship of the host country, which were: (1) strengthening digital and AI technologies for development, (2) promoting universal and meaningful digital connectivity, and (3) supporting digital inclusion and the enhancement of digital skills.

In the discussions on the theme of digital inclusion and the enhancement of digital skills, Deputy Director-General Shibuya explained that Japan upholds the principle of "people-friendly digitalization that leaves no one behind" and aims to realize a society where everyone, including persons with disabilities and the elderly, can enjoy the benefits of digital technology.

Furthermore, to foster human resources capable of thriving in the AI era, Deputy Director-General Shibuya outlined initiatives such as the revision of the Digital Skill Standards (DSS) and the administration of the Information Technology Engineer Examination, which boasts a history spanning over 50 years. He also explained that Japan is proceeding with the development of a digital human resources skill platform to support individuals' continuous learning, as well as the creation of a new data management exam.

Moreover, Deputy Director-General Shibuya pointed out the importance of establishing an environment for lifelong learning to keep pace with rapid technological changes, and expressed a desire to contribute to enhancing digital skills and fostering sustainable growth in the AI era across the Asia-Pacific region by sharing Japan's insights and experience with APEC member economies.

As a result of ministerial discussions, the Ministerial Statement was adopted as an outcome of the meeting.

In conjunction with the Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting, multiple high-level events were held on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25.

(1) High Level Dialogue

At a high-level dialogue hosted by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), discussions were held regarding economic and social development driven by digital and AI technologies. Mr. MIYASHITA Masami, Vice Chairman of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (general manager of the Beijing Office of the Japan-China Economic Association), took the stage representing Japan. He outlined the initiatives of Japanese companies operating in China regarding the use of DX and AI, as well as the importance of fostering innovation.

(2) High Level Forum on AI

At the AI High-Level Forum hosted by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), discussions were held regarding cooperation for the safe development and use of AI and the promotion of AI innovation. An outcome document was adopted as a result of the forum.

(3) High Level Roundtable on Data for Growth

At a roundtable hosted by China's National Data Administration (NDA), discussions were held regarding economic growth and digital inclusion through data utilization. Deputy Director-General Shibuya introduced initiatives such as Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT) and the Ouranos Ecosystem, an industrial data linkage platform. A Chair's Statement was also issued as an outcome of the roundtable.

Taking advantage of this meeting, Deputy Director-General Shibuya, together with Mr. IMAGAWA Takuo, Vice-Minister for International Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, held discussions with U.S. government officials to deepen the dialogue on shared policy challenges and other matters.

Attendees from the U.S. side

• Dr. Joel E. Gardner, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, U.S. Department of State
• Mr. Bill Guidera, Deputy Under Secretary for Innovation and Engagement at the International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce

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