BEIJING -- China's role and contribution on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) stage has continued to strengthen, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday, adding China believes that Shenzhen, the host city, will present a splendid APEC meeting for the world next year.

Mao made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to brief on the consideration of the decision on the host city of next year's APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and China's expectation for its APEC chairmanship in 2026.

As the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting draws to a close, APEC will soon enter the "China Year," Mao said, adding that China will host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen in November next year, which will be the third time for China to host APEC.

From Shanghai to Beijing and to Shenzhen, China's role and contribution on the APEC stage has continued to strengthen, which shows China's effort in spearheading Asia-Pacific cooperation, commitment to multilateralism and support for regional economic integration, she said.

Mao said Shenzhen is a pilot ground for China's reform and opening up, a miracle created by the Chinese people in the world history of development, as well as an important window for China's mutually beneficial strategy of opening up.

"We believe that Shenzhen will present a splendid APEC meeting for the world and look forward to welcoming all parties to Shenzhen next year," Mao said.