U.S., China to face off at Asia-Pacific economic summit
U.S. President Donald Trump appeared as a surprise participant at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, being hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.
Mr. Trump, whose involvement was in doubt until several hours before the 1200 GMT start time, was seen on a screen with 19 other APEC heads of government while Mr. Muhyiddin delivered his opening statement.
The meeting, usually an annual gala attended by the leaders, this year is taking place by video link due to the novel coronavirus pandemic and is expected to last two hours.
Mr. Muhyiddin’s opening remarks were broadcast live on local television but coverage stopped once he had finished.
The host website appeared to crash at around the same time.
Among the other APEC leaders who took part in the summit were Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japan’s new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.
Mr. Muhyiddin said that the pandemic “has had a lasting impact’’ on trade but added that APEC intends to “reaffirm its support for the rules-based multilateral trading system’’ which he described as essential for business.
The U.S. under Mr. Trump has sought to push back against unfair terms of trade.
The Malaysian leader’s opening remarks come a day after Chinese President Xi Jinping told the APEC CEO Dialogues that Beijing will “eschew decoupling and seek high-standard free trade agreements with more countries.’’
Today’s summit could be Mr. Trump’s final shot at pushing back at Xi, who on Thursday touted China’s major strategic achievement to both contain the virus and speedily bring production and life back to normal.’’
Though Mr. Trump praised Xi the last time the two leaders spoke, which was by telephone in March, he has since blamed Beijing for what he has repeatedly termed “the Chinese virus.’’
According to official data the novel Coronavirus has infected over 11.5 million Americans and led to more than 250,000 deaths the most of any country.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore, who has close ties with both China and the US, told the CEO Dialogues on Thursday that the U.S. prefers to deal with issues bilaterally and that the Trump administration sees trade as a win-lose proposition.
(dpa/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Abuja
Wassa IDPs urge AMAC to reopen health centre closed since 2022
She said the closure had worsened families’ economic and health conditions.
NationWide
Traditional ruler urges Nigerians to preserve cultural heritage
According to him, no nation or tribe can exist without a firm cultural identity.
Economy
Lagos, Kaduna, Oyo, FCT, Ogun top 2025 subnational ease of doing business report
PEBEC was established in July 2016 by the federal government to oversee Nigeria’s business environment intervention.
States
Ex-governor’s wife lauds initiative to enhance women’s empowerment
Ms Ibrahim explained that the forum was birthed after a strong show of women’s solidarity.
Opinion
Police state or state police?
State police will not be served à la carte, nor will it be a matter of variable geometry. Every state governor will see it as a necessary accessory of power.
States
Zamfara urges investors to tap into state’s economic opportunities
The commissioner said the present administration has created a conducive atmosphere for investors.
