Leaders from 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies on November 18 were unable to sign a joint statement at the 26th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Papua New Guinea. (Source: Reuters)Hanoi (VNA) – Leadersfrom 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies on November 18 wereunable to sign a joint statement at the 26th APEC Economic Leaders’Meeting in Papua New Guinea in the context of deep divisions between the US andChina over trade and investment.
For the first time in the historyof APEC, the leaders have failed to come up with a formal joint statement.
Speaking at a closing press conference,Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said as APEC host, he wouldrelease a Chairman’s Statement later on the day.
He said the reform of the WorldTrade Organisation (WTO) was the main issue causing differences among the APECleaders.
Canada's Prime Minister JustinTrudeau admitted that different visions on particular elements with regard totrade hindered the release of a statement document.
The annual gathering, held for thefirst time in Papua New Guinea since it joined the forum in 1993, was overshadowedby trade differences and competence for greater influence in the Pacific regionbetween the US and China.
However, US Vice President MikePence and Chinese President Xi Jinping had held talks for two times within theframework of the APEC summit, Pence told the press.
At the 26th APECEconomic Leaders’ Meeting, themed “Harnessing Inclusive Integration, Embracingthe Digital Future”, the leaders of the 21 member economies discussed measuresto enhance integration, maintain comprehensive growth and promote the digitaleconomy.
APEC groupsAustralia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong (China), Indonesia, Japan,the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru,the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United Statesand Vietnam.-VNA
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