China’s foreign minister has called on the U.S. to do what it can to host a cooperative meeting of Asia-Pacific leaders in November. APEC summit characterized
In Beijing, China’s foreign minister issued a call to the United States on Tuesday, urging them to take steps to ensure a collaborative gathering of Asia-Pacific leaders in November. He expressed criticism towards those who attempt to emphasize a clash between democratic and authoritarian systems.
Wang Yi emphasized that the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, scheduled for November in San Francisco, should prioritize cooperation over confrontation. He stressed the importance of the U.S. demonstrating fairness and inclusivity to foster favorable conditions for a successful meeting.
“We should refrain from promoting the ‘democracy versus authoritarianism’ narrative and refrain from imposing our own values and models on others,” Wang Yi stated during the launch of a government report outlining proposals for what China terms “a global community of shared future.”
President Joe Biden of the United States has been actively working to establish alliances and partnerships with other democratic nations to create a more unified response to China’s expanding geopolitical influence. China, a one-party state under Communist Party rule for over seven decades, has been positioning itself as a leader among less-developed nations, presenting an alternative to what it often characterizes as “Western hegemony.” APEC summit characterized
The upcoming APEC meeting is widely regarded as a potential opportunity for President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping to engage in discussions as they navigate their complex relationship. However, Xi’s attendance remains uncertain, given his recent absence from a Group of 20 leaders’ meeting in India. When asked about Xi’s potential participation in APEC, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi provided a non-committal response, stating, “We are in communication with all parties and will make an official announcement in due course.”
In Hong Kong, a Chinese territory and APEC member, its leader John Lee expressed that he has not yet received an invitation to the APEC summit. It’s worth noting that the United States banned Lee from entering the country in 2020 due to his involvement in enforcing a national security law that targeted pro-democracy activists.
Wang Yi’s role has undergone changes in recent times. He stepped down as foreign minister at the end of the previous year and assumed the role of the Communist Party’s foreign policy chief. Subsequently, he returned as foreign minister in July while still holding his more senior party position. The reasons behind the removal of his successor, Qin Gang, have yet to be explained by the government.