This week, in San Francisco, US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart will convene for the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting, which will bring together leaders from the 21-member organization. APEC functions on the basis of non-binding pledges, with decisions made by agreement and promises made voluntarily. It represents over half of global commerce and 62% of the world’s GDP. In order to prevent “mistakes, miscalculations, or miscommunication,” Joe Biden’s national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, stated that the US president will try to “advance the ball” on re-establishing military-to-military talks with China at the meeting.
Who are the members of APEC?
Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam are the members of APEC in that order.
Presidents of Taiwan do not go to APEC meetings. This year, Morris Chang, the creator of semiconductor manufacturer TSMC, will represent the island.
Are APEC protests anticipated?
San Francisco anticipated to see protests, with some calling for Beijing’s human rights record to upheld and others opposing it. The event may potentially draw protests against the wars in the Ukraine and the Middle East. Following its invasion of Ukraine in the previous year, Russia’s membership in APEC became polarizing. Vladimir Putin chose not to attend the Bangkok summit in 2022 and will not be attending this year.
What is this year’s emphasis of APEC?
As it strives for a “interconnected, innovative, and inclusive” area and “to advance a free, fair, and open economic policy agenda that benefits US workers, businesses, and families,” the US has selected “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All” as its APEC 2023 theme.
In tough times, Washington anticipated to highlight the relative strength of its economy, as China has had challenges following years of remarkable expansion. When US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, she said that they had decided to “intensify communication” on economic matters. She also forewarned him that Chinese businesses supporting Russia in the conflict in Ukraine would face consequences.
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