APEC Summit: The Much Ado About Quite a Lot
U.S. President Joe Biden, left, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken at APEC summit. AFP-Yonhap
Ah, the APEC summit. Where world leaders gather to shake hands, smile for the cameras, and pretend that they’re solving the world’s problems over a side of hors d’oeuvres. This year, they made their way to Peru, using what can only be described as high-stakes diplomacy with a splash of Pisco sour on the side. Honestly, I’m surprised they didn’t just set up a karaoke machine and let tensions dissolve over a few rounds of “I Will Survive.” Might be more effective!
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau waves during APEC summit. AP-Yonhap
The big wigs from the Pacific Rim—all 21 of them—descended upon this annual gathering, which boasts that it accounts for almost two-thirds of global GDP and half of the world’s trade. It’s like a billion-dollar club meeting where everyone fights over who gets to pick the next theme for the annual reunion. Let’s be real; if they focused half as much on actual issues as they do on fluffing their own pillows, we might stand a chance at solving some problems.
As President Biden elbows his way through the global stage, he’s grappling with the elephant in the room: a new U.S. government that might just turn the whole thing upside down—again. “Inclusive growth” was apparently the theme of the day, at least according to Peru’s President Dina Boluarte, who declared: “Growth starts with inclusion!” Talk about getting the last slice of pizza; everyone’s eyeing that one slice and hoping they don’t end up with just the crust!
Biden and Xi are now seemingly on the friendship plan after years of tension, sharing what could be one of their last meet-ups (at least until the next summit). It was a bit like watching two grumpy old men arguing about whose turn it is to sit on the porch while everything around them is going up in flames. Still, they’ve decided to throw a few compliments to each other while their countries are head deeper into a tug of war.
With deadlines looming, Biden is indeed pushing his allies: “Please don’t forget about Ukraine!” Meanwhile, across the room, Trudeau is nervously shaking his head at the mention of Trump, recalling fondly (or maybe not so fondly) the last time the man in the red tie stomped into the White House. Trudeau’s got the look of a guy who’s just realized he’s accidentally called his ex after a few too many drinks.
And just when you thought things couldn’t get more ridiculous, enter Secretary of State Antony Blinken with a punchline aimed to lighten the mood: “I understand I’m the only thing standing between most of you and a Pisco sour.” Bravo, Antony! Nothing like acknowledging that people would rather be getting tipsy than dealing with geopolitical snafus. Maybe replace all those speeches with margaritas and we’d see some real progress!
Demonstrators protest outside the APEC summit, bringing the drama to the doorstep. AP
Outside the convention center, the air was decidedly less cordial, with protests brewing like a bad sitcom plot. Citizens frustrated with their government’s neglect threw a wrench in the festivities, shouting slogans and reminding everyone that while world leaders discuss billions, they’ve got hunger on their minds. If APEC’s aim was worldwide cooperation, clearly someone forgot to send that memo to the folks outside the gates.
In Conclusion
So, was the APEC summit just that—a summit of coffee speechifying and donut diplomacy? Perhaps. But as leaders make bold promises about stronger ties and inclusiveness, let’s just hope they don’t take cues from reality TV. Because let’s be honest—no one needs another season of “Keeping Up with World Leaders.” We’ve got enough drama going on already.
U.S. President Joe Biden, left, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken attend a leaders dialogue session at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, Nov. 15. AFP-Yonhap
In a significant convergence of economic powers, leaders from the Pacific Rim, including the United States and China, convened in Peru for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting this Friday. This marks the first notable global summit following U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s recent electoral triumph.
This annual gathering unites 21 distinct economies, which collectively represent an impressive two-thirds of the world’s GDP and nearly half of global trade, as highlighted by the organizers of this pivotal event.
As global observers ponder the upcoming shifts in international relations, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden engaged with prominent figures including China’s President Xi Jinping, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, amid speculation on how a new U.S. administration might reshape global dynamics.
After a welcoming address by Peru’s President Dina Boluarte, which emphasized the critical need for inclusive economic growth and reducing the prevalence of informal labor within APEC nations, leaders and representatives transitioned into closed-door meetings to address various pressing issues.
President Boluarte stated, “Our objective is to level the playing field, providing all necessary tools for inclusion in social, financial and commercial sectors.” Her emphasis on empowering citizenry to drive economic progress was a central theme in her address.
For President Biden, this APEC summit may serve as one of his last significant international engagements prior to the conclusion of his presidency. White House officials assert that both his participation at APEC and his follow-up visit to Brazil for the Group of 20 meeting will be consequential, focusing on issues like climate change, global infrastructure, and counter-narcotics initiatives. Additionally, Biden aims to rally allies to maintain their support for Ukraine in the face of continued Russian aggression and to seek resolutions for ongoing conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza.
In a notable development, President Biden is set for a one-on-one meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday, marking the first direct engagement between the two since last year’s APEC forum. Earlier on Friday, Biden met with President Dina Boluarte of Peru, followed by discussions with South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba later in the afternoon.
At these meetings, President Biden underscored the enhanced collaboration between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan in addressing North Korea’s increasing threats and its troubling alliance with Russia. He articulated pride in the strengthening ties between Japan and South Korea, historically fraught with tension, now uniting in a shared goal of regional security amid rising complexities on the international stage.
Biden remarked, “This is likely to be my last trilateral meeting with this important group. I’m proud to have contributed to building this partnership, which I hope will endure. I truly believe that cooperation among our nations will serve as the foundation for long-term peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Echoing Biden’s sentiments, Prime Minister Ishiba stated, “I look forward to furthering our partnership in response against North Korea and in many other areas.”
However, some analysts caution that President Biden’s prominence at APEC may be eclipsed by President Xi Jinping, who commenced his visit by inaugurating a massive $1.3 billion megaport, a gesture demonstrating Latin America’s realignment within the global economic landscape.
During his visit, Xi engaged with leaders across the region, including discussions with South Korea’s Yoon Suk Yeol, where he emphasized bilateral ties built on cultural connections and neighborliness. Xi’s remarks centered on the importance of safeguarding free trade and maintaining stability in global supply chains, particularly in light of potential tariffs anticipated from a Trump administration.
Furthering ties, Beijing disclosed a new visa-free travel initiative for South Korean citizens, allowing visits to China for up to 15 days, a move perceived as a direct counter to the U.S.-Japan-South Korea alliance.
In addition to bilateral sessions with regional leaders such as Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Xi held discussions with Chile’s President Gabriel Boric as well.
Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada offered reflections on the forthcoming Trump administration’s impact during the APEC CEO summit, contrasting it with the previous experience when Trump sought to dismantle the North American Free Trade Agreement. He underscored the collaborative efforts that eventually led to the formation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and asserted, “dialogue is vital — challenges are inevitable.”
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau waves during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, Nov. 15. AP-Yonhap
In his address, Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the necessity for robust international engagement. He humorously acknowledged the audience’s fatigue from a lengthy day of speeches: “I understand I’m the only thing standing between most of you and a Pisco sour.”
In defending the Biden administration’s diplomatic stances without explicitly mentioning Trump’s controversial policies, Blinken emphasized the administration’s efforts to rejuvenate and strengthen international alliances. “We have reimagined and revitalized our partnerships to advance a shared vision for the future,” he asserted.
He further remarked on Washington’s growing involvement in multilateral platforms like APEC, stressing their importance in shaping global dialogues.
As leaders convened at the APEC venue in Lima, they were met by a backdrop of political discontent, with protestors demonstrating against President Boluarte’s administration. For two consecutive days, protesters have violently clashed with police over rising gang violence, demanding government accountability and reform.
Amid the APEC gatherings, a group of protesters attempted to voice their grievances several blocks from the convention center, vastly outnumbered by riot police. The demonstrators condemned government corruption and the death toll of peaceful protesters following Boluarte’s predecessor’s removal.
Maria Melendez, a 48-year-old tour guide, voiced her frustration, asking rhetorically, “Why would we want APEC here when the investment is just going to line their pockets?” Meanwhile, Mia Rivera, 58, lamented the low turnout amidst fears of police action from the previous year’s protests, which had met with a violent crackdown.
U.S. President Joe Biden, South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba participate in a trilateral meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, Nov. 15. Reuters-Yonhap
What role does collective action play in addressing the impacts of climate change on a global scale?
E importance of collective action in facing global challenges, from trade disputes to climate change. “No single nation can solve these problems alone; it requires collaboration and commitment from all of us,” he stated, reinforcing the idea that unity among nations is crucial for tackling the urgent issues of our time.
As the summit progressed, the atmosphere remained a juxtaposition of ambitious dialogues inside the convention center and vocal dissent outside. The protesters’ message was clear: they demanded accountability from their leaders to address pressing socioeconomic issues while the elite discussed abstract global policies.
the APEC summit served as a reminder of the complex interplay between politics and public sentiment, with leaders striving to forge agreements that resonate beyond the walls of the conference rooms. While optimism for international cooperation remains, the stark reality outside—reflective of the frustrations of ordinary citizens—underscores the challenges ahead. The specter of public dissatisfaction looms large, reminding those in power that while diplomacy is important, it is critical to address the everyday concerns of the population to ensure that economic growth is inclusive and equitable.
In the coming days, the world will watch with keen interest as the engagements and discussions unfold, hoping for concrete outcomes that not only strengthen diplomatic ties but also resonate with the grassroots movements advocating for change and accountability. As the leaders at APEC craft their narratives of progress, it remains to be seen whether their commitments translate into tangible improvements for the millions who depend on the decisions made within such summits.