On November 14, Deputy China International Trade Representative Li Yongjie attended the ministerial meeting between China and DEPA members during the APEC Ministerial Meeting in Lima, Peru. As presidency of the Accession Working Group for China, Chile sent its Under-Secretary for International Economic Relations of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sanhueza to host the meeting. The meeting was also joined by Trade Minister of New Zealand Hon Todd McClay, Minister of Trade Relations of Singapore Fu Hai Yien, and Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy of ROK Inkyo Cheong.

Li Yongjie said that since the establishment of the Working Group, China and DEPA members have continued to communicate closely at all levels and have made progress in the negotiations. China will take the initiative to further align with the DEPA rules and harmonize rules, institutions, management and standards in e-commerce and other related areas. China is ready to have in-depth discussions with DEPA members on key provisions, strive to reach consensus as soon as possible, and looks forward to practical cooperation in the field of digital economy.

DEPA members commented positively on the progress made by the Working Group and expressed their willingness to work with China to push forward consultations at all levels and make greater progress in the negotiations.

On 1 November 2021, China applied for accession to DEPA. On 18 August 2022, in accordance with the decision of the DEPA Joint Committee, the Accession Working Group for China was established to formally kick off accession negotiations.