The United States hosts finance ministers from APEC nations in San Francisco. The bloc is made up of the United States, China, Taiwan, Japan and others. Every nation is looking forward for the high stakes Xi Jinping-Joe Biden meet.

APEC Summit 2023: US hosts world leaders for first time since 2011, Biden-Xi meet to take place

Xi-Biden meet amid friction over spy balloon, Taiwan and tech war | World News | WION

The United States hosts finance ministers from APEC nations in San Francisco. The bloc is made up of the United States, China, Taiwan, Japan and others.

San Fransisco: Asia-Pacific economic coorporation 2023 APEC Summit

In Pics | Biden-Xi meet during APEC Summit: What to expect and key challenges

Chinese President Xi Jinping will be meeting U.S. President Joe Biden at the APEC Summit. The U.S. is seeking to restore military communication with China. What else is on the agenda? Will U.S.-China diplomatic relations thaw?

Gravitas | Xi-Biden meet: Will US & China restore military talks?

This week is crucial for the world of diplomacy US President Joe Biden is eager to Showcase US leadership in the face of Beijing and Moscow's assertiveness. All eyes will be on the Biden-XI meet as President Biden Works towards reestablishing military ties with China.

Biden, Xi set to steal spotlight at APEC Summit 2023

United States President Joe Biden met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the White House on Friday (Oct 27) in a bid to possibly prepare for a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping as Washington and Beijing are in the midst of working to ease tensions between the two countries.

According to a statement by the White House, Wang and Biden held an hour of talks which Washington characterised as a “good opportunity” in keeping lines of communication open between Washington and Beijing.&nbsp;

<h2>What did they discuss?</h2>

China’s top diplomat is in the midst of conducting a second day of meetings with his American counterpart Secretary of State Antony Blinken to manage differences while laying groundwork ahead of an expected meeting between Biden and Xi in November.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-top-diplomat-wang-yi-to-visit-us-to-discuss-a-range-of-issues-says-washington-650485">China’s top diplomat Wang Yi to visit US, will discuss a range of issues, says Washington</a>

In a brief statement, the White House said that the US president also underscored that both countries “must work together to address global challenges.”&nbsp;

Additionally, Biden also told Wang that the US and China must “manage competition in the relationship responsibly and maintain open lines of communication.”&nbsp;

The US president also expressed his condolences on the passing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-li-keqiangs-death-could-spur-anti-jinping-campaign-in-china-652012">former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang</a>, said the White House.&nbsp;

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that the hour-long meeting held in White House’s Roosevelt Room was a “positive development and a good opportunity to keep the conversation going.”

Kirby also said the Israel-Hamas war “certainly was on the agenda” for discussion during Wang’s three-day visit as well as global topics like climate change.&nbsp;

China’s top diplomat during his high-stakes visit to Washington also met with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.&nbsp;

<h2>Will Xi and Biden meet in November?</h2>

The US president is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart after Biden invited Xi to San Francisco next month for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. However, China has yet to announce whether Xi will attend. There is also no official confirmation if both leaders would hold a meeting on the sidelines of the summit.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-to-have-dialogue-chinas-wang-yi-tells-us-as-he-lays-groundwork-for-xi-biden-meet-651753">‘Need to have dialogue,’ China’s Wang Yi tells US as he lays groundwork for Xi-Biden meet</a>

“The president has said that he fully expects to meet again with President Xi. These are two guys that have a long-standing relationship and we’re confident that that’s going to happen,” said Kirby.&nbsp;

China’s top diplomat is on a high-stakes visit to Washington amid persistent diplomatic and security tensions between the world’s two largest economies.&nbsp;

“China and the United States need to have dialogue. Not only should we resume dialogue, the dialogue should be in-depth and comprehensive,” Wang told Blinken after arriving in Washington on Thursday (Oct 26).

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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United States President Joe Biden met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the White House on Friday (Oct 27) in a bid to possibly prepare for a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping as Washington and Beijing are in the midst of working to ease tensions between the two countries.

United States President Joe Biden met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the White House on Friday (Oct 27) in a bid to possibly prepare for a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping as Washington and Beijing are in the midst of working to ease tensions between the two countries. According to a statement by the White House, Wang and Biden held an hour of talks which Washington characterised as a “good opportunity” in keeping lines of communication open between Washington and Beijing. What did they discuss? China’s top diplomat is in the midst of conducting a second day of meetings with his American counterpart Secretary of State Antony Blinken to manage differences while laying groundwork ahead of an expected meeting between Biden and Xi in November. ALSO READ | China’s top diplomat Wang Yi to visit US, will discuss a range of issues, says Washington In a brief statement, the White House said that the US president also underscored that both countries “must work together to address global challenges.” Additionally, Biden also told Wang that the US and China must “manage competition in the relationship responsibly and maintain open lines of communication.” The US president also expressed his condolences on the passing of former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, said the White House. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that the hour-long meeting held in White House’s Roosevelt Room was a “positive development and a good opportunity to keep the conversation going.” Kirby also said the Israel-Hamas war “certainly was on the agenda” for discussion during Wang’s three-day visit as well as global topics like climate change. China’s top diplomat during his high-stakes visit to Washington also met with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Will Xi and Biden meet in November? The US president is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart after Biden invited Xi to San Francisco next month for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. However, China has yet to announce whether Xi will attend. There is also no official confirmation if both leaders would hold a meeting on the sidelines of the summit. ALSO READ | ‘Need to have dialogue,’ China’s Wang Yi tells US as he lays groundwork for Xi-Biden meet “The president has said that he fully expects to meet again with President Xi. These are two guys that have a long-standing relationship and we’re confident that that’s going to happen,” said Kirby. China’s top diplomat is on a high-stakes visit to Washington amid persistent diplomatic and security tensions between the world’s two largest economies. “China and the United States need to have dialogue. Not only should we resume dialogue, the dialogue should be in-depth and comprehensive,” Wang told Blinken after arriving in Washington on Thursday (Oct 26). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Biden meets China’s top diplomat Wang Yi, paving way for potential meeting with Xi Jinping

In November, the US will host the APEC summit. There is growing anticipation that Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping may meet off-site at the conference.

APEC Summit: US working to deepen military alliances in Asia-Pacific region

Amid anti-government protests in Central Bangkok, leaders of the 21-member Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) pledged to boost trade and do more to tackle other economic challenges.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, police fired rubber bullets to disperse a crowd protesting against the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) in Bangkok on Friday, a police official in charge of the summit's security taskforce told Reuters.

About 350 protesters had gathered and clashed with police, about 10 km (6 miles) from the venue where leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group were meeting.

Videos on social media showed protesters trying to overturn a police car, throwing projectiles and charging at police, while officers in riot gear advanced with shields and beat them back with batons.

Youth activist Patsaravalee ‘Mind’ Tanakitvibulpon, who was at the demonstration, said people were protesting against the APEC summit and Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.

“The police have overreacted. They are using rubber bullets on us and tried to stop us many times,” he told Reuters.

“The protesters broke the law, physically assaulted police officers,” said an officer, adding that five officers were injured.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thailand-dispute-over-marijuana-industry-as-apec-leaders-gather-in-bangkok-535244">Thailand: Dispute over marijuana industry as APEC leaders gather in Bangkok</a>

Meanwhile, leaders of the 21-member APEC bloc pledged on Saturday to boost trade and do more to tackle other economic challenges. The summit's conclusion meant wrapping up of the last of three summits in the region in a week though they were&nbsp;overshadowed by intense geopolitical rivalry dominated by the war in Ukraine.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apec-summit-sets-to-start-in-thailand-world-leaders-arrive-534993">APEC host nation Thailand urges world leaders to ‘rise above differences’</a>

The summits have been attended by global leaders, and the talks have often been disrupted by friction spilling over from the war in Ukraine as well as flashpoints such as the Taiwan strait and the Korean peninsula.

A Southeast Asian summit that included China, Japan and the United States was held in Cambodia, while the Group of 20 (G20) major economies met on the Indonesian island of Bali.

The APEC meeting was interrupted on Friday when Vice President Kamala Harris, who is heading the U.S. delegation, called an emergency gathering of allies on the sidelines to condemn North Korea after it test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the United States.

On Saturday, Thai Prime Minister and APEC chair Prayuth Chan-ocha sought to bring the focus back to economic issues and said APEC made "significant progress" by agreeing a multi-year work plan for a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP).

(With inputs from agencies)

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Amid anti-government protests in Central Bangkok, leaders of the 21-member Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) pledged to boost trade and do more to tackle other economic challenges.

Amid anti-government protests in Central Bangkok, leaders of the 21-member Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) pledged to boost trade and do more to tackle other economic challenges. Meanwhile, police fired rubber bullets to disperse a crowd protesting against the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) in Bangkok on Friday, a police official in charge of the summit's security taskforce told Reuters. About 350 protesters had gathered and clashed with police, about 10 km (6 miles) from the venue where leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group were meeting. Videos on social media showed protesters trying to overturn a police car, throwing projectiles and charging at police, while officers in riot gear advanced with shields and beat them back with batons. Youth activist Patsaravalee ‘Mind’ Tanakitvibulpon, who was at the demonstration, said people were protesting against the APEC summit and Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha. “The police have overreacted. They are using rubber bullets on us and tried to stop us many times,” he told Reuters. “The protesters broke the law, physically assaulted police officers,” said an officer, adding that five officers were injured. WATCH | Thailand: Dispute over marijuana industry as APEC leaders gather in Bangkok Meanwhile, leaders of the 21-member APEC bloc pledged on Saturday to boost trade and do more to tackle other economic challenges. The summit's conclusion meant wrapping up of the last of three summits in the region in a week though they were overshadowed by intense geopolitical rivalry dominated by the war in Ukraine. ALSO READ | APEC host nation Thailand urges world leaders to ‘rise above differences’ The summits have been attended by global leaders, and the talks have often been disrupted by friction spilling over from the war in Ukraine as well as flashpoints such as the Taiwan strait and the Korean peninsula. A Southeast Asian summit that included China, Japan and the United States was held in Cambodia, while the Group of 20 (G20) major economies met on the Indonesian island of Bali. The APEC meeting was interrupted on Friday when Vice President Kamala Harris, who is heading the U.S. delegation, called an emergency gathering of allies on the sidelines to condemn North Korea after it test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the United States. On Saturday, Thai Prime Minister and APEC chair Prayuth Chan-ocha sought to bring the focus back to economic issues and said APEC made "significant progress" by agreeing a multi-year work plan for a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid anti-govt protests in Bangkok, APEC leaders call for enhanced cooperation

On Saturday (November 19), US Vice President Kamla Harris met Chinese President Xi Jinping and had&nbsp;a brief meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Bangkok, the White officials confirmed.&nbsp;

The meeting was held days after the Chinese president had an extensive meeting with US President Joe Biden during their visit to the G20 summit. Both presidents had a meeting for nearly three hours and discussed several political, economical and social issues. The major focus was held on Ukraine, climate&nbsp;change and ways to strengthen US-China relations, AFP reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-is-here-to-stay-kamala-harris-reaffirms-position-on-asia-at-apec-summit-535332">Also read |&nbsp;'US is here to stay': Kamala Harris reaffirms position on Asia at APEC summit</a>

The official said&nbsp;that the US vice president reiterated Biden's view that, "We must maintain open lines of communication to responsibly manage the competition between our countries."

The meeting came after North Korea tested a ballistic missile on Friday, and the US wants the Asian country to restrain its ally. In order to voice a forceful denunciation of North Korea, Harris also convened crisis talks on Friday with the Prime Ministers of Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea.&nbsp;

The US official said, "We do think that Beijing has a role to play.&nbsp;China should use its influence to persuade North Korea "not to go in this provocative direction, which only destabilises the region and the world."

Additionally, the US has put pressure on China to restrict its assistance to Russia in its invasion of Ukraine and US officials are cautiously optimistic that Beijing hasn't supplied any weapons.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-xi-meeting-us-president-promises-no-new-cold-war-with-china-after-three-hour-meeting-534180">Also read |&nbsp;Biden-Xi meeting: US prez vows no 'new cold war' with China following their first talks</a>

The Biden-Xi summit and the quick meeting with Harris come before the Secretary of State Antony Blinken's anticipated trip to China.&nbsp;

During his meeting with Xi, Biden said that he doesn't anticipate an "imminent" invasion of Taiwan.&nbsp;

Tensions between the United States and China rose particularly over Taiwan, an island country that Beijing claims is a part of its territory.&nbsp;

This is Xi's second travel since the pandemic, and he&nbsp;has already met with several foreign leaders in Bangkok and earlier this week at a summit of the Group of 20 in Bali.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Saturday (November 19), US Vice President Kamla Harris met Chinese President Xi Jinping and had a brief meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Bangkok, the White officials confirmed.

On Saturday (November 19), US Vice President Kamla Harris met Chinese President Xi Jinping and had a brief meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Bangkok, the White officials confirmed. The meeting was held days after the Chinese president had an extensive meeting with US President Joe Biden during their visit to the G20 summit. Both presidents had a meeting for nearly three hours and discussed several political, economical and social issues. The major focus was held on Ukraine, climate change and ways to strengthen US-China relations, AFP reported. Also read | 'US is here to stay': Kamala Harris reaffirms position on Asia at APEC summit The official said that the US vice president reiterated Biden's view that, "We must maintain open lines of communication to responsibly manage the competition between our countries." The meeting came after North Korea tested a ballistic missile on Friday, and the US wants the Asian country to restrain its ally. In order to voice a forceful denunciation of North Korea, Harris also convened crisis talks on Friday with the Prime Ministers of Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea. The US official said, "We do think that Beijing has a role to play. China should use its influence to persuade North Korea "not to go in this provocative direction, which only destabilises the region and the world." Additionally, the US has put pressure on China to restrict its assistance to Russia in its invasion of Ukraine and US officials are cautiously optimistic that Beijing hasn't supplied any weapons. Also read | Biden-Xi meeting: US prez vows no 'new cold war' with China following their first talks The Biden-Xi summit and the quick meeting with Harris come before the Secretary of State Antony Blinken's anticipated trip to China. During his meeting with Xi, Biden said that he doesn't anticipate an "imminent" invasion of Taiwan. Tensions between the United States and China rose particularly over Taiwan, an island country that Beijing claims is a part of its territory. This is Xi's second travel since the pandemic, and he has already met with several foreign leaders in Bangkok and earlier this week at a summit of the Group of 20 in Bali. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US VP Kamala Harris meets Chinese President Xi Jinping at APEC in Bangkok, calls for 'open talks'

Thailand, the host of the APEC summit, urged leaders of the group meeting to “rise above differences” and focus on resolving pressing global economic issues in areas such as trade and inflation. The meeting is being held&nbsp;in Bangkok on Friday and Saturday.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron told Asian countries that the conflict in Ukraine was "your problem&nbsp;too" and asked them&nbsp;to join the "increasing consensus" against it.

World leaders started arriving for the APEC summit, the third back-to-back summit of&nbsp;this week after COP27 and G20 summits, from Friday (November 18). This year's theme and focus is "Open. Connect. Balance", and world leaders will discuss among themselves the possible geopolitical&nbsp;roles that they can play with the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;

Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Australian PM Anthony Albanese will be among many other world leaders attending the summit.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-2022-in-bali-explained-history-significance-and-indias-agenda-533923">G20 Summit 2022 in Bali EXPLAINED: History, significance and India's agenda</a>

APEC is the group of 21 countries in the Pacific Rim region&nbsp;that focus on the economy of the region, and also discuss and make strategies in promoting free trade throughout the&nbsp;Asia-Pacific region. With its headquarters in Singapore, APEC is considered as one of&nbsp;the oldest international forums in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Xi and Kishida's bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit is one of the high-profile talks at the forum, especially when China and Japan's relations&nbsp;have been strained due to their historical past and security concerns.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-told-nato-that-ukraine-air-defence-missile-responsible-for-poland-blast-report-534737">Joe Biden told NATO that Ukraine air defence missile landed in Poland: Report</a>

In a pre-summit event, Thailand PM Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is also the host of this year's summit, said&nbsp;the forum would focus on “new trade and investment narratives” and “the need to reconnect supply chains and travel,&nbsp;and the global sustainability agenda”. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Thailand, the host of the APEC summit, urged leaders of the group meeting to “rise above differences” and focus on resolving pressing global economic issues in areas such as trade and inflation.

Thailand, the host of the APEC summit, urged leaders of the group meeting to “rise above differences” and focus on resolving pressing global economic issues in areas such as trade and inflation. The meeting is being held in Bangkok on Friday and Saturday. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron told Asian countries that the conflict in Ukraine was "your problem too" and asked them to join the "increasing consensus" against it. World leaders started arriving for the APEC summit, the third back-to-back summit of this week after COP27 and G20 summits, from Friday (November 18). This year's theme and focus is "Open. Connect. Balance", and world leaders will discuss among themselves the possible geopolitical roles that they can play with the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Australian PM Anthony Albanese will be among many other world leaders attending the summit. Also Read | G20 Summit 2022 in Bali EXPLAINED: History, significance and India's agenda APEC is the group of 21 countries in the Pacific Rim region that focus on the economy of the region, and also discuss and make strategies in promoting free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region. With its headquarters in Singapore, APEC is considered as one of the oldest international forums in the Asia-Pacific Region. Xi and Kishida's bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit is one of the high-profile talks at the forum, especially when China and Japan's relations have been strained due to their historical past and security concerns. Also Read | Joe Biden told NATO that Ukraine air defence missile landed in Poland: Report In a pre-summit event, Thailand PM Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is also the host of this year's summit, said the forum would focus on “new trade and investment narratives” and “the need to reconnect supply chains and travel, and the global sustainability agenda”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

APEC host nation Thailand urges world leaders to ‘rise above differences’

Scuffles broke out between the police and protesters who were demonstrating in central Bangkok. According to reports, the police fired drama bullets to disperse the crowds. Around 360 people had gathered about 10 kilometers from the venue of the ongoing Apec Summit to stage these protests.

Bangkok: Scuffles break out between police and protesters, 360 demonstrators gather

United States Vice President Kamala Harris told Asian leaders on Friday that the "United States is here to stay” referring to the country's interest in the region both as an economic as well as strategic partner. During her address at the ongoing Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, Harris once again emphasised the commitment showed by the US towards its Asian allies and said that&nbsp;the country&nbsp;has a “vital interest in promoting a region that is open, interconnected, prosperous, secure and resilient.”&nbsp;

“The United States has an enduring economic commitment to the Indo-Pacific, one that is measured not in years, but in decades, and generations,” she said according to Reuters.&nbsp;

“And there is no better economic partner for this region than the United States of America.”&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nord-stream-blasts-were-an-act-of-sabotage-swedish-prosecutor-says-535297">Nord Stream blasts were an act of sabotage, Swedish prosecutor says</a>

In the recent past, both China and Russia have criticised the US for "interfering” in the politics of the region when it comes to both the conflict in Ukraine and the political situation surrounding Taiwan. &nbsp;

However, Harris made it clear that the US is currently in conversation with other G7 nations regarding infrastructure investments in Asia and assured that the government will make sure that they are “high-standard, transparent, climate-friendly and does not leave countries with insurmountable debt.”&nbsp;

Ahead of the address, Harris attended an emergency meeting with leaders from South Korea, Japan, Canada, New Zealand and Australia after North Korea fired yet another intercontinental ballistic missile.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Thailand: Dispute over marijuana industry as APEC leaders gather in Bangkok

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Harris was quick to criticise Pyongyang and said that it is detrimental to the peace in the region.&nbsp;

"It destabilizes security in the region and unnecessarily raises tensions,” she said.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron also reaffirmed his commitment to play a "stabilising role” in the region and said that the main goal for France right now is to avoid any unwanted confrontation.&nbsp;

"We don't believe in hegemony, we don't believe in confrontation, we believe in stability," Macron said.&nbsp;

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United States Vice President Kamala Harris told Asian leaders on Friday that the "United States is here to stay” referring to the country's interest in the region both as an economic as well as strategic partner.

United States Vice President Kamala Harris told Asian leaders on Friday that the "United States is here to stay” referring to the country's interest in the region both as an economic as well as strategic partner. During her address at the ongoing Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, Harris once again emphasised the commitment showed by the US towards its Asian allies and said that the country has a “vital interest in promoting a region that is open, interconnected, prosperous, secure and resilient.” “The United States has an enduring economic commitment to the Indo-Pacific, one that is measured not in years, but in decades, and generations,” she said according to Reuters. “And there is no better economic partner for this region than the United States of America.” Also read | Nord Stream blasts were an act of sabotage, Swedish prosecutor says In the recent past, both China and Russia have criticised the US for "interfering” in the politics of the region when it comes to both the conflict in Ukraine and the political situation surrounding Taiwan. However, Harris made it clear that the US is currently in conversation with other G7 nations regarding infrastructure investments in Asia and assured that the government will make sure that they are “high-standard, transparent, climate-friendly and does not leave countries with insurmountable debt.” Ahead of the address, Harris attended an emergency meeting with leaders from South Korea, Japan, Canada, New Zealand and Australia after North Korea fired yet another intercontinental ballistic missile. WATCH | Thailand: Dispute over marijuana industry as APEC leaders gather in Bangkok Harris was quick to criticise Pyongyang and said that it is detrimental to the peace in the region. "It destabilizes security in the region and unnecessarily raises tensions,” she said. French President Emmanuel Macron also reaffirmed his commitment to play a "stabilising role” in the region and said that the main goal for France right now is to avoid any unwanted confrontation. "We don't believe in hegemony, we don't believe in confrontation, we believe in stability," Macron said.

'US is here to stay': Kamala Harris reaffirms position on Asia at APEC summit

Thailand which is the host nation of the APEC summit has a new tourist attraction. We are talking about the country's marijuana industry since Thailand decriminalised cannabis this year. Shops in Bangkok have been selling home-grown and pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes.

Thailand: Dispute over marijuana industry as APEC leaders gather in Bangkok

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly accepted Thailand's invitation to attend next month's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Bangkok.

Quoting an unidentified security source, Bangkok Post reported that the Thailand foreign ministry has already informed the security agencies to begin preparations for the November 18-19 meeting.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Ukraine war: Rising fear of a nuclear escalation

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As per another report by the publication quoting American media, US President Joe Biden will likely skip the summit and Vice-President Kamala Harris will attend as his delegate.

The Diplomat reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping has also verbally confirmed his presence at the summit.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-spoke-to-vladimir-putin-before-tweeting-his-peace-plan-reports-524560" hreflang="en">Elon Musk denies reports alleging that he spoke to Vladimir Putin before tweeting his peace plan</a>

Several other nations have also accepted invitations, according to foreign affairs minister Don Pramudwinai, although it is unclear whether their leaders would attend in person or send delegates.

"Security agencies have been closely monitoring groups that may instigate unrest but there have been no reports of any suspicious activities so far," said the chief of defence forces General Chalermpol Srisawat adding that the situation is under control and there are no signs of unrest.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-he-can-defeat-trump-again-gets-candid-about-putin-and-the-looming-nuclear-threat-524626" hreflang="en">Biden says he can defeat Trump again; gets candid about Putin and the looming nuclear threat</a>

He further stated that security would be tightened further when aircraft carrying the&nbsp;visiting dignitaries, and leaders enter the nation's airspace.

The Bangkok Post report quoted another source who claimed that to prevent separatist groups in Thailand's southern border provinces from disrupting the meet, security agencies are keeping a close eye on them.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly accepted Thailand's invitation to attend next month's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Bangkok.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly accepted Thailand's invitation to attend next month's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Bangkok. Quoting an unidentified security source, Bangkok Post reported that the Thailand foreign ministry has already informed the security agencies to begin preparations for the November 18-19 meeting. Watch | Gravitas Plus: Ukraine war: Rising fear of a nuclear escalation As per another report by the publication quoting American media, US President Joe Biden will likely skip the summit and Vice-President Kamala Harris will attend as his delegate. The Diplomat reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping has also verbally confirmed his presence at the summit. Also read | Elon Musk denies reports alleging that he spoke to Vladimir Putin before tweeting his peace plan Several other nations have also accepted invitations, according to foreign affairs minister Don Pramudwinai, although it is unclear whether their leaders would attend in person or send delegates. "Security agencies have been closely monitoring groups that may instigate unrest but there have been no reports of any suspicious activities so far," said the chief of defence forces General Chalermpol Srisawat adding that the situation is under control and there are no signs of unrest. Also read | Biden says he can defeat Trump again; gets candid about Putin and the looming nuclear threat He further stated that security would be tightened further when aircraft carrying the visiting dignitaries, and leaders enter the nation's airspace. The Bangkok Post report quoted another source who claimed that to prevent separatist groups in Thailand's southern border provinces from disrupting the meet, security agencies are keeping a close eye on them. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping to attend APEC summit in Bangkok next month, Joe Biden to skip: Reports

US comedian Stephen Colbert addressed world leaders at a virtual meeting on the Asia-Pacific's future Thursday, after New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern invited him to bring some levity to an event dominated by pandemic responses and climate change.

Prime Minister Ardern is hosting this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit online, and lined up leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Australia's Scott Morrison to talk to business executives.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arderns-popularity-plummets-as-new-zealand-struggles-to-check-delta-outbreak-428443" hreflang="en">Ardern’s popularity plummets as New Zealand struggles to check Delta outbreak</a>

She also asked Colbert, who is a renowned Kiwi-phile and fan of Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" movies, to inject some humour into the meeting.

"I'm a big fan of this beautiful country at the bottom of the Pacific," Colbert said, going on to address the online delegates in New Zealand slang accompanied by subtitles.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modernas-covid-jab-patent-row-deepens-as-us-nih-looks-to-defend-co-owner-claim-428421" hreflang="en">Moderna's Covid jab patent row deepens as US NIH looks to defend co-owner claim</a>&nbsp;

"I was stoked (thrilled) when Jacinda, the head sheila (prime minister), called me on the blower (phone)," he said. "I thought: sweet as (great). That would be pretty choice (excellent). Then nek minnit (next minute), here I am."

Colbert has repeatedly referenced his affection for New Zealand on "The Late Show" and visited the country in 2019, later airing a string of stories about his travels.

During his visit, Colbert did carpool karaoke with Ardern, attended a barbeque with singer Lorde and interviewed Jackson. 
&nbsp;

US comedian Stephen Colbert addressed world leaders at a virtual meeting on the Asia-Pacific's future Thursday, after New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern invited him to bring some levity to an event dominated by pandemic responses and climate change.

US comedian Stephen Colbert addressed world leaders at a virtual meeting on the Asia-Pacific's future Thursday, after New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern invited him to bring some levity to an event dominated by pandemic responses and climate change. Prime Minister Ardern is hosting this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit online, and lined up leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Australia's Scott Morrison to talk to business executives. Also read | Ardern’s popularity plummets as New Zealand struggles to check Delta outbreak She also asked Colbert, who is a renowned Kiwi-phile and fan of Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" movies, to inject some humour into the meeting. "I'm a big fan of this beautiful country at the bottom of the Pacific," Colbert said, going on to address the online delegates in New Zealand slang accompanied by subtitles. Also Read: Moderna's Covid jab patent row deepens as US NIH looks to defend co-owner claim "I was stoked (thrilled) when Jacinda, the head sheila (prime minister), called me on the blower (phone)," he said. "I thought: sweet as (great). That would be pretty choice (excellent). Then nek minnit (next minute), here I am." Colbert has repeatedly referenced his affection for New Zealand on "The Late Show" and visited the country in 2019, later airing a string of stories about his travels. During his visit, Colbert did carpool karaoke with Ardern, attended a barbeque with singer Lorde and interviewed Jackson.

'Stoked' Colbert livens up APEC summit after Jacinda Ardern's invite

President Xi Jinping speaking on a virtual platform at the &nbsp;Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/is-india-cooking-up-a-trade-new-deal-with-asean-following-exit-with-rcep-343583">APEC</a>) said China will "actively consider" signing up for a regional free-trade pact, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/euro-beats-dollar-as-payment-currency-for-first-time-after-7-years-344417">Also Read:&nbsp;Euro beats dollar as payment currency for first time after 7 years</a>

"The grouping must continue to promote regional economic integration and establish an Asia-Pacific free trade zone at an early date," Xi said even as joint communique called for free and predictable trade to help the global economy hit by the pandemic.

The virtual summit was hosted by Malaysia amid trade tensions between the US and China even as the pandemic continues to ravage economies worldwide. The meeting involves leaders from 21 Pacific Rim economies which accounts for nearly 60 per cent of global GDP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-to-address-apec-summit-a-day-after-chinas-xi-jinping-344217">Donald Trump </a>who has been put a legal challenge on the US election results refused to use the official backdrop and delivered a speech to the leaders during the two-hour event which was not open to the media.

President Xi on his part said: "It is important that the Asia-Pacific should remain the bellwether in safeguarding peace and stability, upholding multilateralism, and fostering an open world economy, adding,"Free and open trade and investment cannot be achieved overnight."

China and 14 Asia-Pacific countries had earlier signed free trade pact, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/rcep-chinas-strategy-to-browbeat-the-world-343848">RCEP</a>), which will be the world's biggest trade pact.

"We need to trade and invest our way out of the current economic downturn," Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin who is hosting the event said.

"We must come together and work constructively towards navigating the region along a path of robust, inclusive and sustainable economic recovery and growth," PM Yassin added.

President Xi Jinping speaking on a virtual platform at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) said China will "actively consider" signing up for a regional free-trade pact, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

President Xi Jinping speaking on a virtual platform at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) said China will "actively consider" signing up for a regional free-trade pact, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Also Read: Euro beats dollar as payment currency for first time after 7 years "The grouping must continue to promote regional economic integration and establish an Asia-Pacific free trade zone at an early date," Xi said even as joint communique called for free and predictable trade to help the global economy hit by the pandemic. The virtual summit was hosted by Malaysia amid trade tensions between the US and China even as the pandemic continues to ravage economies worldwide. The meeting involves leaders from 21 Pacific Rim economies which accounts for nearly 60 per cent of global GDP. Donald Trump who has been put a legal challenge on the US election results refused to use the official backdrop and delivered a speech to the leaders during the two-hour event which was not open to the media. President Xi on his part said: "It is important that the Asia-Pacific should remain the bellwether in safeguarding peace and stability, upholding multilateralism, and fostering an open world economy, adding,"Free and open trade and investment cannot be achieved overnight." China and 14 Asia-Pacific countries had earlier signed free trade pact, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which will be the world's biggest trade pact. "We need to trade and invest our way out of the current economic downturn," Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin who is hosting the event said. "We must come together and work constructively towards navigating the region along a path of robust, inclusive and sustainable economic recovery and growth," PM Yassin added.

China will actively consider joining CPTPP, says President Xi at APEC virtual summit

A day after these Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the&nbsp;Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering, the US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;will now be taking over the stage.

Trump, who recently lost the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election">US elections</a>&nbsp;to his Democratic opponent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, will be addressing the virtual gathering on Friday evening, as per reports.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-touts-chinas-huge-economy-as-base-of-free-trade-in-apec-speech-344021">Xi touts China's huge economy as base of free trade in APEC speech</a>

APEC is a group that brings together&nbsp;21 Pacific Rim countries, accounting for about 60 per cent of global GDP, to discuss key issues from around the world. This year, the focus of the gathering will be the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The outgoing President is expected to deliver a speech for his fellow world leaders at the event, which is mostly out of bounds for the media, as per officials. Trump will be, assumably, talking about how the novel coronavirus spread across the world — for which he has been blaming and accusing China for the past few months.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/subtly-china-pressures-gulf-states-to-reduce-regional-tensions-343832">Subtly, China pressures Gulf states to reduce regional tensions</a>

Before this, Trump has only once participated in the APEC gathering, which was back in 2017. This year, he will also be fighting to show his authority as the President of the US, as he has refused to concede his defeat against Biden, and has been accusing the Democrats of manipulating election results and of voter fraud — an accusation that has not been proved right.

A day ago, Xi Jinping had addressed the world leaders' gathering and had used the platform to boast about the recently signed deal of&nbsp;world's biggest trade pact between China and 14 other Asia-Pacific countries signed the called Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He also took pride in claiming China as a&nbsp;pivot point for global commerce and vowed to keep its "super-sized" economy open.

A day after these Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering, the US President Donald Trump will now be taking over the stage.

A day after these Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering, the US President Donald Trump will now be taking over the stage. Trump, who recently lost the US elections to his Democratic opponent Joe Biden, will be addressing the virtual gathering on Friday evening, as per reports. Also read| Xi touts China's huge economy as base of free trade in APEC speech APEC is a group that brings together 21 Pacific Rim countries, accounting for about 60 per cent of global GDP, to discuss key issues from around the world. This year, the focus of the gathering will be the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The outgoing President is expected to deliver a speech for his fellow world leaders at the event, which is mostly out of bounds for the media, as per officials. Trump will be, assumably, talking about how the novel coronavirus spread across the world — for which he has been blaming and accusing China for the past few months. Also read| Subtly, China pressures Gulf states to reduce regional tensions Before this, Trump has only once participated in the APEC gathering, which was back in 2017. This year, he will also be fighting to show his authority as the President of the US, as he has refused to concede his defeat against Biden, and has been accusing the Democrats of manipulating election results and of voter fraud — an accusation that has not been proved right. A day ago, Xi Jinping had addressed the world leaders' gathering and had used the platform to boast about the recently signed deal of world's biggest trade pact between China and 14 other Asia-Pacific countries signed the called Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He also took pride in claiming China as a pivot point for global commerce and vowed to keep its "super-sized" economy open.

Donald Trump to address APEC summit a day after China's Xi Jinping

President Xi Jinping pegged China as the pivot point for global free trade Thursday, vowing to keep his "super-sized" economy open and warning against protectionism in a global economy eviscerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Buoyed by the signing of the world's largest trade pact over the weekend, Xi said the Asia-Pacific is the "forerunner driving global growth" in a world hit by "multiple challenges" including the coronavirus.

He vowed "openness" to trade and refuted any possibility of the "decoupling" of China's economy — in his only comments nodding to the hostile trade policy of Donald Trump's US administration, which has battered China with tariffs and tech restrictions.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/subtly-china-pressures-gulf-states-to-reduce-regional-tensions-343832">Subtly, China pressures Gulf states to reduce regional tensions</a>

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, held online this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, brings together 21 Pacific Rim countries including the world's two biggest economies, accounting for about 60 per cent of global GDP.

It was not immediately clear if Trump, wounded by his election loss to Joe Biden, would take part in the summit or send a high level delegate in his place.

In a speech that veered into triumphalism over China's economic "resilience and vitality" in coming back from the virus, which first emerged in the central city of Wuhan, Xi warned countries who insist on trade barriers will suffer self-inflicted wounds.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-china-is-stonewalling-reforms-at-united-nations-security-council-343771">How China is stonewalling reforms at United Nations Security Council</a>

"Openness enables a country to move forward while seclusion holds it back," he said.

"China will actively cooperate with all countries, regions and enterprises that want to do so. We will continue to hold high the banner of openness and co-operation."

Trade agenda

The high rhetoric may raise eyebrows in capitals where China has either restricted trade, imposed sudden blocks or used its giant economy as a bargaining chip in wider geopolitical plays.

In the APEC region, Australian exports including beef, wine and barley have been disrupted to their largest market, as diplomatic rumble over the origins of the pandemic as well as alleged antics by each other's spies hammer relations.&nbsp;

The APEC gathering comes a week after China and 14 other Asia-Pacific countries signed the world's largest free-trade deal.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-refuses-to-renew-the-licence-of-china-friendly-news-channel-343923">Taiwan refuses to renew the licence of China-friendly news channel</a>

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which excludes the US, is viewed as a major coup for China and further evidence that Beijing is setting the agenda for global commerce as Washington retreats.&nbsp;

RCEP's rival was the Trans-Pacific Partnership — championed by former Barack Obama — but Trump pulled out of it and the pact has been replaced by a watered-down alternative that the United States has not joined.

Xi had no direct words for President-elect Biden, whose ascension to office next year — while still clouded by Trump's refusal to concede defeat - is seen as likely to see a more naunced extension of Washington's current China policy.&nbsp;

Biden has been strident on China's human rights record, from the Uighur Muslims in its Xinjiang region to Hong Kong's democracy movement.

While he will he cast a more moderate presence on the global stage, analysts say he will seek deeper alliances to hem in Chinese tech — which the US says provides a back door to Beijing — and trade imbalances.

President Xi Jinping pegged China as the pivot point for global free trade Thursday, vowing to keep his "super-sized" economy open and warning against protectionism in a global economy eviscerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Xi Jinping pegged China as the pivot point for global free trade Thursday, vowing to keep his "super-sized" economy open and warning against protectionism in a global economy eviscerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Buoyed by the signing of the world's largest trade pact over the weekend, Xi said the Asia-Pacific is the "forerunner driving global growth" in a world hit by "multiple challenges" including the coronavirus. He vowed "openness" to trade and refuted any possibility of the "decoupling" of China's economy — in his only comments nodding to the hostile trade policy of Donald Trump's US administration, which has battered China with tariffs and tech restrictions. Also read| Subtly, China pressures Gulf states to reduce regional tensions The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, held online this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, brings together 21 Pacific Rim countries including the world's two biggest economies, accounting for about 60 per cent of global GDP. It was not immediately clear if Trump, wounded by his election loss to Joe Biden, would take part in the summit or send a high level delegate in his place. In a speech that veered into triumphalism over China's economic "resilience and vitality" in coming back from the virus, which first emerged in the central city of Wuhan, Xi warned countries who insist on trade barriers will suffer self-inflicted wounds. Also read| How China is stonewalling reforms at United Nations Security Council "Openness enables a country to move forward while seclusion holds it back," he said. "China will actively cooperate with all countries, regions and enterprises that want to do so. We will continue to hold high the banner of openness and co-operation." Trade agenda The high rhetoric may raise eyebrows in capitals where China has either restricted trade, imposed sudden blocks or used its giant economy as a bargaining chip in wider geopolitical plays. In the APEC region, Australian exports including beef, wine and barley have been disrupted to their largest market, as diplomatic rumble over the origins of the pandemic as well as alleged antics by each other's spies hammer relations. The APEC gathering comes a week after China and 14 other Asia-Pacific countries signed the world's largest free-trade deal. Also read| Taiwan refuses to renew the licence of China-friendly news channel The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which excludes the US, is viewed as a major coup for China and further evidence that Beijing is setting the agenda for global commerce as Washington retreats. RCEP's rival was the Trans-Pacific Partnership — championed by former Barack Obama — but Trump pulled out of it and the pact has been replaced by a watered-down alternative that the United States has not joined. Xi had no direct words for President-elect Biden, whose ascension to office next year — while still clouded by Trump's refusal to concede defeat - is seen as likely to see a more naunced extension of Washington's current China policy. Biden has been strident on China's human rights record, from the Uighur Muslims in its Xinjiang region to Hong Kong's democracy movement. While he will he cast a more moderate presence on the global stage, analysts say he will seek deeper alliances to hem in Chinese tech — which the US says provides a back door to Beijing — and trade imbalances.

Xi touts China's huge economy as base of free trade in APEC speech

Malaysian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mahathir-warns-of-possible-trade-sanctions-on-malaysia-257152">Mahathir Mohamad</a> said on Wednesday he would consider a cabinet reshuffle to address growing public discontent over his young government's handling of the country, days after a stinging by-election loss.

His Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition suffered its worst electoral defeat on Saturday since coming to power last May when the opposition scored a more than 15,000-vote majority in a by-election for the Tanjung Piai parliamentary seat.

Mahathir said leaders in his Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) outfit, which contested the by-election under the PH banner, felt a cabinet reshuffle was needed to address public complaints on issues such as high living costs and the economy.

"As the prime minister, I am responsible for a cabinet reshuffle. I have listened to their views, and I will consider their position on having a cabinet reshuffle," Mahathir said at a news conference broadcast on the party's Facebook page.

"But it won't be today or tomorrow, but after we study and consider the achievements and abilities of our current ministers. After that, then we will discuss the possibility of having a cabinet reshuffle."

Saturday's loss was the worst of four by-election setbacks for the ruling coalition, which has been struggling with waning public approval over its management of the country and economy in the past year and a half.

Its popularity plunged to 41 per cent&nbsp;in July, well below the 64 per cent&nbsp;rate recorded when it took over power, according to a survey by independent pollster Merdeka Center.

However, Mahathir said he might not be keen on shaking up his cabinet line-up if it ends up derailing the policies that his government had set out to implement - and especially if it got in the way of Malaysia hosting next year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

"The act of reshuffling itself is not a solution. It may be a problem, even. There is still a lot of work to be done," Mahathir said. "Next year we face a big issue in that we are the hosts of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-offer-to-host-apec-not-a-good-idea-malaysia-260620">APEC meeting</a>. We can't take this lightly...We want to prepare ourselves as best as possible."

Violent street protest forced Chile to back out of hosting this year's APEC summit. The US&nbsp;and Chilean governments are discussing co-hosting the gathering in the United States in January, but Malaysia does not support the idea.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Wednesday he would consider a cabinet reshuffle to address growing public discontent over his young government's handling of the country, days after a stinging by-election loss.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Wednesday he would consider a cabinet reshuffle to address growing public discontent over his young government's handling of the country, days after a stinging by-election loss. His Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition suffered its worst electoral defeat on Saturday since coming to power last May when the opposition scored a more than 15,000-vote majority in a by-election for the Tanjung Piai parliamentary seat. Mahathir said leaders in his Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) outfit, which contested the by-election under the PH banner, felt a cabinet reshuffle was needed to address public complaints on issues such as high living costs and the economy. "As the prime minister, I am responsible for a cabinet reshuffle. I have listened to their views, and I will consider their position on having a cabinet reshuffle," Mahathir said at a news conference broadcast on the party's Facebook page. "But it won't be today or tomorrow, but after we study and consider the achievements and abilities of our current ministers. After that, then we will discuss the possibility of having a cabinet reshuffle." Saturday's loss was the worst of four by-election setbacks for the ruling coalition, which has been struggling with waning public approval over its management of the country and economy in the past year and a half. Its popularity plunged to 41 per cent in July, well below the 64 per cent rate recorded when it took over power, according to a survey by independent pollster Merdeka Center. However, Mahathir said he might not be keen on shaking up his cabinet line-up if it ends up derailing the policies that his government had set out to implement - and especially if it got in the way of Malaysia hosting next year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. "The act of reshuffling itself is not a solution. It may be a problem, even. There is still a lot of work to be done," Mahathir said. "Next year we face a big issue in that we are the hosts of the APEC meeting. We can't take this lightly...We want to prepare ourselves as best as possible." Violent street protest forced Chile to back out of hosting this year's APEC summit. The US and Chilean governments are discussing co-hosting the gathering in the United States in January, but Malaysia does not support the idea.

Malaysia's Mahathir says cabinet reshuffle on cards after by-election loss

An offer by the United States to host a Pacific rim summit in America in 2020 after Chile abruptly cancelled this year's event was "not a good idea", Malaysia's foreign minister said Thursday.

The sharp retort comes days after most southeast Asian leaders snubbed a meeting with US officials in Thailand when President Donald Trump failed to show.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crisis-wracked-chile-pulls-out-as-apec-climate-meet-host-259009">Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation</a> (APEC) summit had been scheduled for November 16-17 in Chile, but President Sebastian Pinera pulled out of hosting it because of ongoing civil unrest in the country.

According to Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called him during a meeting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders in Bangkok last week.

Pompeo told him that "because Chile is not able to host APEC this November... the US is thinking of hosting APEC somewhere in January in the US", and asked for Malaysia's position.

Saifuddin said he told US officials in Bangkok that "we don't think it is a good idea".

US President Donald Trump skipped the ASEAN summit and instead sent US national security advisor Robert O'Brien and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to lead the US delegation.

Most of the ASEAN leaders snubbed a meeting with the US delegation, sending more junior officials instead.

Saifuddin said he was aware of a letter sent by Trump to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad "about an invitation to something in the US".

Malaysia is at the centre of talks for any replacement summit as it is next year's chair of APEC, a trade-focused grouping of 21 Pacific Rim economies stretching from China to Chile and the United States.

Chairmanship includes hosting meetings that typically culminate in a summit of the leaders around November.

A Southeast Asian diplomat who asked not to be named confirmed that Washington is sounding out countries about an APEC summit in January and had offered Las Vegas as a possible venue, but would not give other details.

Another source, a delegate who was supposed to attend the cancelled APEC meeting in Chile, did not sound enthusiastic about a summit in the US.

"I don't see the point, what for?" he told AFP. "A summit for the sake of having a summit?"

Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping were supposed to meet in Chile to sign a partial deal in a bid to ease a bruising trade war.

Trump said Thursday that an alternative location for the signing will be "announced soon".

An offer by the United States to host a Pacific rim summit in America in 2020 after Chile abruptly cancelled this year's event was "not a good idea", Malaysia's foreign minister said Thursday.

An offer by the United States to host a Pacific rim summit in America in 2020 after Chile abruptly cancelled this year's event was "not a good idea", Malaysia's foreign minister said Thursday. The sharp retort comes days after most southeast Asian leaders snubbed a meeting with US officials in Thailand when President Donald Trump failed to show. The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit had been scheduled for November 16-17 in Chile, but President Sebastian Pinera pulled out of hosting it because of ongoing civil unrest in the country. According to Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called him during a meeting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders in Bangkok last week. Pompeo told him that "because Chile is not able to host APEC this November... the US is thinking of hosting APEC somewhere in January in the US", and asked for Malaysia's position. Saifuddin said he told US officials in Bangkok that "we don't think it is a good idea". US President Donald Trump skipped the ASEAN summit and instead sent US national security advisor Robert O'Brien and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to lead the US delegation. Most of the ASEAN leaders snubbed a meeting with the US delegation, sending more junior officials instead. Saifuddin said he was aware of a letter sent by Trump to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad "about an invitation to something in the US". Malaysia is at the centre of talks for any replacement summit as it is next year's chair of APEC, a trade-focused grouping of 21 Pacific Rim economies stretching from China to Chile and the United States. Chairmanship includes hosting meetings that typically culminate in a summit of the leaders around November. A Southeast Asian diplomat who asked not to be named confirmed that Washington is sounding out countries about an APEC summit in January and had offered Las Vegas as a possible venue, but would not give other details. Another source, a delegate who was supposed to attend the cancelled APEC meeting in Chile, did not sound enthusiastic about a summit in the US. "I don't see the point, what for?" he told AFP. "A summit for the sake of having a summit?" Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping were supposed to meet in Chile to sign a partial deal in a bid to ease a bruising trade war. Trump said Thursday that an alternative location for the signing will be "announced soon".

US offer to host APEC 'not a good idea': Malaysia

Chile&nbsp;pulled&nbsp;out&nbsp;of hosting two major international summits on Wednesday as it struggled to restore order after more than ten days of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chile-anti-govt-protests-escalate-258114">civil unrest</a> that left at least 23 dead.

President Sebastian Pinera said "common sense" dictated the decision to withdraw from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and the Cop 25&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change conference.

US President Donald Trump had said he was planning to&nbsp;meet&nbsp;Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to lock down a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-china-close-to-finalising-part-of-a-phase-one-trade-deal-report-258209"> "phase one" agreement</a> at the November 16-17&nbsp;APEC&nbsp;meeting that would partially have ended an 18-month trade war between the world's two biggest economies.

The White House said it looked forward to finalising an agreement "within the same timeframe," although analysts Eurasia Group said that may not happen until the end of the year.

APEC&nbsp;said it supported&nbsp;Chile's decision but gave no indication there would be a replacement summit this year, saying only that Malaysia would&nbsp;host&nbsp;the 2020 event.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin had also been due to attend&nbsp;APEC, while teenage Swedish activist Greta Thunberg was among 25,000 delegates expected for COP 25.

The final of South American football's premier club competition, the Copa Libertadores, between Argentine holders River Plate and Brazilian giants Flamengo will go ahead on November 23 in Santiago,&nbsp;Chile's sports ministry said.

After more than 10 days of street protests, Pinera said&nbsp;Chile&nbsp;was not in a position to&nbsp;host&nbsp;either the&nbsp;APEC&nbsp;summit or the December 2-13&nbsp;climate&nbsp;convention.

The pullout is seen as a blow to&nbsp;Chile's tourism industry, and the Santiago stock exchange dropped 2.8 points while the peso fell to its lowest rate against the dollar since 2003.

"This has been a very difficult decision, a decision that has been deeply painful because we know exactly how important&nbsp;APEC&nbsp;and COP are for&nbsp;Chile&nbsp;and the world," said Pinera.

"When a father has problems, he must always prioritize his family over other options. The same goes for a president, he must always put his own compatriots first, ahead of any other considerations," he added.

Chile&nbsp;is grappling with its worst social crisis in decades, one that shows little sign of abating despite Pinera announcing a raft of measures aimed at placating protesters.

Demonstrators have demanded that the 69-year-old right-wing leader, whose personal fortune is estimated by Forbes at $2.8 billion, step down.

They have been angered by low salaries and pensions, poor public health care and education, and a yawning gap between rich and poor.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/support-for-chiles-pinera-lowest-for-president-since-pinochet-era-poll-258433">Pinera</a> announced last week an increase in the minimum wage and pensions as well as measures to alleviate sky-high health care costs and a streamlining of public offices.

"I'm not rejecting any structural reform," Pinera said Wednesday. "This is the time to listen to the people."&nbsp;

On Monday, he reshuffled his cabinet for the third time since coming to power in March 2018, but the street movement continues.

Protests began on October 18 and during the first few days there was widespread destruction, arson and looting.&nbsp;

Demonstrations have been largely calm over the last week but there were violent clashes between demonstrators and security services on Monday, when shops were looted and a building set on fire.

Huge numbers took to the streets on Wednesday, with the country semi-paralyzed as numerous shops and businesses remained closed.

Canceling the two major international events is more likely to backfire than to placate the demonstrators, University of&nbsp;Chile&nbsp;analyst Octavio Avendano told AFP.

He said it would be seen "as a sign of weakness and a sharpening of the conflict."

Chilean prosecutors announced Wednesday night that they were conducting investigations into the deaths of 23 people during the crisis.

Sixteen of the dead were killed "during the alleged commission of so-called 'common' crimes," five people "by actions of agents of the state" and two "under state custody," prosecutors said on Twitter.&nbsp;

Previously, the official death toll had stood at 20. &nbsp;

A mission led by the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, Chile's former president,&nbsp;is expected to open a probe later this week into allegations of police brutality.

Justice and Human Rights Minister Hernan Larrain admitted on Tuesday that the government recognized that some incidents involving law enforcement during the protests "appear to be human rights violations."&nbsp;

Amnesty International has expressed concern about claims of "sexual torture," reports of eye injuries and situations in which police or military action directly led to a death.

&nbsp;

Chile pulled out of hosting two major international summits on Wednesday as it struggled to restore order after more than ten days of civil unrest that left at least 23 dead.

Chile pulled out of hosting two major international summits on Wednesday as it struggled to restore order after more than ten days of civil unrest that left at least 23 dead. President Sebastian Pinera said "common sense" dictated the decision to withdraw from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and the Cop 25 climate change conference. US President Donald Trump had said he was planning to meet Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to lock down a "phase one" agreement at the November 16-17 APEC meeting that would partially have ended an 18-month trade war between the world's two biggest economies. The White House said it looked forward to finalising an agreement "within the same timeframe," although analysts Eurasia Group said that may not happen until the end of the year. APEC said it supported Chile's decision but gave no indication there would be a replacement summit this year, saying only that Malaysia would host the 2020 event. Russian leader Vladimir Putin had also been due to attend APEC, while teenage Swedish activist Greta Thunberg was among 25,000 delegates expected for COP 25. The final of South American football's premier club competition, the Copa Libertadores, between Argentine holders River Plate and Brazilian giants Flamengo will go ahead on November 23 in Santiago, Chile's sports ministry said. After more than 10 days of street protests, Pinera said Chile was not in a position to host either the APEC summit or the December 2-13 climate convention. The pullout is seen as a blow to Chile's tourism industry, and the Santiago stock exchange dropped 2.8 points while the peso fell to its lowest rate against the dollar since 2003. "This has been a very difficult decision, a decision that has been deeply painful because we know exactly how important APEC and COP are for Chile and the world," said Pinera. "When a father has problems, he must always prioritize his family over other options. The same goes for a president, he must always put his own compatriots first, ahead of any other considerations," he added. Chile is grappling with its worst social crisis in decades, one that shows little sign of abating despite Pinera announcing a raft of measures aimed at placating protesters. Demonstrators have demanded that the 69-year-old right-wing leader, whose personal fortune is estimated by Forbes at $2.8 billion, step down. They have been angered by low salaries and pensions, poor public health care and education, and a yawning gap between rich and poor. Pinera announced last week an increase in the minimum wage and pensions as well as measures to alleviate sky-high health care costs and a streamlining of public offices. "I'm not rejecting any structural reform," Pinera said Wednesday. "This is the time to listen to the people." On Monday, he reshuffled his cabinet for the third time since coming to power in March 2018, but the street movement continues. Protests began on October 18 and during the first few days there was widespread destruction, arson and looting. Demonstrations have been largely calm over the last week but there were violent clashes between demonstrators and security services on Monday, when shops were looted and a building set on fire. Huge numbers took to the streets on Wednesday, with the country semi-paralyzed as numerous shops and businesses remained closed. Canceling the two major international events is more likely to backfire than to placate the demonstrators, University of Chile analyst Octavio Avendano told AFP. He said it would be seen "as a sign of weakness and a sharpening of the conflict." Chilean prosecutors announced Wednesday night that they were conducting investigations into the deaths of 23 people during the crisis. Sixteen of the dead were killed "during the alleged commission of so-called 'common' crimes," five people "by actions of agents of the state" and two "under state custody," prosecutors said on Twitter. Previously, the official death toll had stood at 20. A mission led by the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, Chile's former president, is expected to open a probe later this week into allegations of police brutality. Justice and Human Rights Minister Hernan Larrain admitted on Tuesday that the government recognized that some incidents involving law enforcement during the protests "appear to be human rights violations." Amnesty International has expressed concern about claims of "sexual torture," reports of eye injuries and situations in which police or military action directly led to a death.

Crisis-wracked Chile pulls out as APEC, climate meet host

President Donald Trump still hopes to sign a trade deal with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in coming weeks, despite Chile's cancellation of the APEC summit where they had been scheduled to meet, the White House said Wednesday.

"We look forward to finalizing Phase One of the historic trade deal with China within the same time frame, and when we have an announcement, we'll let you know," spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement.

President Sebastian Pinera announced earlier that Chile could no longer hold the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and later Cop 25 climate change conference in Santiago, due to violent unrest in the city.

Gidley said as of now there was no replacement location.

"It's our understanding the organisation does not currently have a secondary site prepared. We’re awaiting potential information regarding another location," he said.

Trump and Xi had been targeting an encounter on the sidelines of the APEC event to sign an initial agreement aimed at resolving an 18-month trade war between the world's two biggest economies.

President Donald Trump still hopes to sign a trade deal with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in coming weeks, despite Chile's cancellation of the APEC summit where they had been scheduled to meet, the White House said Wednesday.

President Donald Trump still hopes to sign a trade deal with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in coming weeks, despite Chile's cancellation of the APEC summit where they had been scheduled to meet, the White House said Wednesday. "We look forward to finalizing Phase One of the historic trade deal with China within the same time frame, and when we have an announcement, we'll let you know," spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement. President Sebastian Pinera announced earlier that Chile could no longer hold the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and later Cop 25 climate change conference in Santiago, due to violent unrest in the city. Gidley said as of now there was no replacement location. "It's our understanding the organisation does not currently have a secondary site prepared. We’re awaiting potential information regarding another location," he said. Trump and Xi had been targeting an encounter on the sidelines of the APEC event to sign an initial agreement aimed at resolving an 18-month trade war between the world's two biggest economies.

United States wants China trade deal in 'same time frame' despite APEC summit cancellation

Asia-Pacific leaders failed to agree on a communique at a summit in Papua New Guinea on Sunday for the first time in their history as deep divisions between the United States and China over trade and investment stymied cooperation.

Competition between the United States and China over the Pacific was also thrown into focus with the United States and its Western allies launching a coordinated response to China's Belt and Road programme.

"You know the two big giants in the room," Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister Peter O`Neill said at a closing news conference, when asked which of the 21 members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group could not agree.

O'Neill, who was chairman of the meeting, said the sticking point was over whether mention of the World Trade Organization and its possible reform should be in the Leaders'&nbsp;Declaration.

"APEC has got no charter over World Trade Organization, that is a fact. Those matters can be raised at the World Trade Organization."

The multilateral trade order that APEC was established in 1989 to protect is crumbling as Chinese assertiveness in the Pacific and US tariffs strain relations in the region and divide loyalties.

A Leaders'&nbsp;Declaration has been issued after every annual APEC leaders` meeting since the first in 1993, the group`s website shows.&nbsp;

O'Neill said that as APEC host, he would release a Chairman`s Statement, though it was not clear when.

US President Donald Trump did not attend the meeting and nor did his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

US Vice President Mike Pence attended instead of Trump.

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived to great fanfare on Thursday and was feted by PNG officials. He stoked Western concern on Friday when he met Pacific island leaders to pitch his Belt and Road initiative.

The United States and its allies, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, countered on Sunday with a $1.7 billion plan to deliver reliable electricity and the internet to PNG.

Pacific theatre

Wang Xiaolong, a senior economic official with China`s APEC delegation, said of the failure to agree on a joint statement that it was "not exactly a sticking point between any particular two countries".

Most members affirmed their commitment to preserving the multilateral trading system and supported a robust and well-functioning WTO, he said.

"Frankly speaking, we are in a very early stage of those discussions and different countries have different ideas as to how to take that process forward," Wang said.

One diplomat involved in the negotiations said tension between the US&nbsp;and China, bubbling all week, erupted when the Chinese government`s top diplomat, Wang Yi, objected during a leaders` retreat to two paragraphs in a draft document seen by Reuters.

One mentioned opposing "unfair trade practices" and reforming the WTO, while another concerned sustainable development.

"These two countries were pushing each other so much that the chair couldn`t see an option to bridge them," said the diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

"China was angered that the reference to WTO blamed a country for unfair trade practices."

Pence said in a blunt speech on Saturday there would be no end to US&nbsp;tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods until China changed its ways. On Sunday, as he left the PNG capital of Port Moresby, he listed US&nbsp;differences with China.

"They begin with trade practices, with tariffs and quotas, forced technology transfers, the theft of intellectual property. It goes beyond that to freedom of navigation in the seas, concerns about human rights," Pence told reporters.

Pence also took direct aim at Xi`s signature Belt and Road initiative, saying in his speech countries should not accept debt that compromised their sovereignty.&nbsp;

"We do not offer a constricting belt or a one-way road," he said.&nbsp;

Centre of attention

The Belt and Road plan was first proposed in 2013 to expand land and sea links between Asia, Africa and Europe, with billions of dollars in infrastructure investment from China.

APEC host PNG is home to 8 million people, four-fifths of whom live outside urban areas and with poor infrastructure, and found itself feted by superpowers.

Xi opened a Beijing-funded boulevard, while Pence talked of a 400-year old King James Bible in the PNG parliament that he had played a role in bringing to the country.

Australia, a staunch US&nbsp;ally, has for decades enjoyed largely unrivalled influence among Pacific island nations. China has recently turned its attention to the region with a raft of bilateral financing agreements to often distressed economies.&nbsp;

PNG Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato said his country did not need to pick sides.

"For us, we welcome Chinese investment, we welcome US&nbsp;investment. Our foreign policy is to be friends of all, enemies of none." 
&nbsp;

Asia-Pacific leaders failed to agree on a communique at a summit in Papua New Guinea on Sunday for the first time in their history as deep divisions between the United States and China over trade and investment stymied cooperation.

Asia-Pacific leaders failed to agree on a communique at a summit in Papua New Guinea on Sunday for the first time in their history as deep divisions between the United States and China over trade and investment stymied cooperation. Competition between the United States and China over the Pacific was also thrown into focus with the United States and its Western allies launching a coordinated response to China's Belt and Road programme. "You know the two big giants in the room," Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister Peter O`Neill said at a closing news conference, when asked which of the 21 members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group could not agree. O'Neill, who was chairman of the meeting, said the sticking point was over whether mention of the World Trade Organization and its possible reform should be in the Leaders' Declaration. "APEC has got no charter over World Trade Organization, that is a fact. Those matters can be raised at the World Trade Organization." The multilateral trade order that APEC was established in 1989 to protect is crumbling as Chinese assertiveness in the Pacific and US tariffs strain relations in the region and divide loyalties. A Leaders' Declaration has been issued after every annual APEC leaders` meeting since the first in 1993, the group`s website shows. O'Neill said that as APEC host, he would release a Chairman`s Statement, though it was not clear when. US President Donald Trump did not attend the meeting and nor did his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. US Vice President Mike Pence attended instead of Trump. Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived to great fanfare on Thursday and was feted by PNG officials. He stoked Western concern on Friday when he met Pacific island leaders to pitch his Belt and Road initiative. The United States and its allies, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, countered on Sunday with a $1.7 billion plan to deliver reliable electricity and the internet to PNG. Pacific theatre Wang Xiaolong, a senior economic official with China`s APEC delegation, said of the failure to agree on a joint statement that it was "not exactly a sticking point between any particular two countries". Most members affirmed their commitment to preserving the multilateral trading system and supported a robust and well-functioning WTO, he said. "Frankly speaking, we are in a very early stage of those discussions and different countries have different ideas as to how to take that process forward," Wang said. One diplomat involved in the negotiations said tension between the US and China, bubbling all week, erupted when the Chinese government`s top diplomat, Wang Yi, objected during a leaders` retreat to two paragraphs in a draft document seen by Reuters. One mentioned opposing "unfair trade practices" and reforming the WTO, while another concerned sustainable development. "These two countries were pushing each other so much that the chair couldn`t see an option to bridge them," said the diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. "China was angered that the reference to WTO blamed a country for unfair trade practices." Pence said in a blunt speech on Saturday there would be no end to US tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods until China changed its ways. On Sunday, as he left the PNG capital of Port Moresby, he listed US differences with China. "They begin with trade practices, with tariffs and quotas, forced technology transfers, the theft of intellectual property. It goes beyond that to freedom of navigation in the seas, concerns about human rights," Pence told reporters. Pence also took direct aim at Xi`s signature Belt and Road initiative, saying in his speech countries should not accept debt that compromised their sovereignty. "We do not offer a constricting belt or a one-way road," he said. Centre of attention The Belt and Road plan was first proposed in 2013 to expand land and sea links between Asia, Africa and Europe, with billions of dollars in infrastructure investment from China. APEC host PNG is home to 8 million people, four-fifths of whom live outside urban areas and with poor infrastructure, and found itself feted by superpowers. Xi opened a Beijing-funded boulevard, while Pence talked of a 400-year old King James Bible in the PNG parliament that he had played a role in bringing to the country. Australia, a staunch US ally, has for decades enjoyed largely unrivalled influence among Pacific island nations. China has recently turned its attention to the region with a raft of bilateral financing agreements to often distressed economies. PNG Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato said his country did not need to pick sides. "For us, we welcome Chinese investment, we welcome US investment. Our foreign policy is to be friends of all, enemies of none."

APEC fails to reach consensus as US-China divide deepens

APEC Summit: No agreement signed, summit turns futile

Leaders from 21 Asia-Pacific nations battled to paper over gaping differences Sunday after an unusually sharp exchange of words between the group's two most powerful members, the United States and China.

With just hours of the two-day summit remaining, officials were still scrambling to forge enough of a consensus to issue a formal joint statement and were admitting privately that it might not be possible, amid yawning differences on trade policy.

The annual gathering has been overshadowed by speeches on Saturday from Chinese President Xi Jinping and US Vice President Mike Pence, which appeared to represent competing bids for regional leadership.

Pence warned smaller countries not to be seduced by China's massive Belt-and-Road infrastructure programme, which sees Beijing offer money to poorer countries for construction and development projects.

The "opaque" loans come with strings attached and build up "staggering debt", Pence charged, mocking the initiative as a "constricting belt" and a "one-way road".

He urged nations instead to stick with the United States, which doesn't "drown our partners in a sea of debt" or "coerce, corrupt or compromise your independence".

In a speech to business leaders just minutes before Pence, Xi insisted the initiative was not a "trap" and there was no "hidden agenda" -- amid criticism that it amounts to "chequebook diplomacy" in the region.

Xi also lashed out at "America First" trade protectionism, saying it was a "short-sighted approach" that was "doomed to failure".

The feisty barbs on a gleaming white cruise ship moored in Port Moresby set the scene for a potentially fiery meeting between Xi and US President Donald Trump at the G20 summit in Argentina at the end of this month.

But Xi and Pence, who both wore shiny, red shirts provided by the Pacific island did hold talks on Saturday night at the leaders' gala dinner.

Pence told reporters on Sunday: "I spoke to President Xi twice during the course of this conference. We had a candid conversation."

He told him that the US is interested in a better relationship with China "but there has to be change" in Beijing's trade policies.

With fears that a trade war between the two rivals could cripple the Pacific Rim economy, some attendees voiced concern about the growing rivalry for influence in the region.

"Business leaders do not want to speak out, but behind the scenes here, they are talking over dinner saying 'how has this happened'?" said Denis O'Brien, the billionaire chairman of Digicel.

"It's a very forced situation, one country is trying to force all the other countries to change tariffs agreed over years," O'Brien told AFP.

- Cruise ship diplomacy - 
Trump -- and Russian President Vladimir Putin -- both decided to skip the gathering, leaving the spotlight on Xi who arrived two days early to open a Chinese-funded school and road in Papua New Guinea's dirt-poor capital Port Moresby.

Xi has been the star of the show, front and centre at official photos whereas Pence has kept a lower profile, only deciding at the last minute to stay overnight in Port Moresby -- shelving original plans to fly in and out from Cairns in Australia.

As if to counter Chinese largesse, the US, Australia, New Zealand and Japan on Sunday announced a project to boost electricity capacity in Papua New Guinea.

The project aims to raise the percentage of the PNG population with access to electricity from 13 percent to 70 percent.

And as the US and China vie for influence in the region, the statement dangled the prospect of similar projects for countries that "support principles and values which help maintain and promote a free, open, prosperous and rules-based region."

With the official business of the summit relatively low-key, much of the focus has been on the unlikely venue of Port Moresby, which is hosting its first international event of this scale.

The city is on lockdown with hundreds of police and military patrolling the streets of the notoriously crime-ridden capital.

Warships are stationed just off the coast to provide security for the leaders, and delegates and media have been housed in enormous cruise ships due to a dearth of hotel rooms.

Leaders from 21 Asia-Pacific nations battled to paper over gaping differences Sunday after an unusually sharp exchange of words between the group's two most powerful members, the United States and China.

Leaders from 21 Asia-Pacific nations battled to paper over gaping differences Sunday after an unusually sharp exchange of words between the group's two most powerful members, the United States and China. With just hours of the two-day summit remaining, officials were still scrambling to forge enough of a consensus to issue a formal joint statement and were admitting privately that it might not be possible, amid yawning differences on trade policy. The annual gathering has been overshadowed by speeches on Saturday from Chinese President Xi Jinping and US Vice President Mike Pence, which appeared to represent competing bids for regional leadership. Pence warned smaller countries not to be seduced by China's massive Belt-and-Road infrastructure programme, which sees Beijing offer money to poorer countries for construction and development projects. The "opaque" loans come with strings attached and build up "staggering debt", Pence charged, mocking the initiative as a "constricting belt" and a "one-way road". He urged nations instead to stick with the United States, which doesn't "drown our partners in a sea of debt" or "coerce, corrupt or compromise your independence". In a speech to business leaders just minutes before Pence, Xi insisted the initiative was not a "trap" and there was no "hidden agenda" -- amid criticism that it amounts to "chequebook diplomacy" in the region. Xi also lashed out at "America First" trade protectionism, saying it was a "short-sighted approach" that was "doomed to failure". The feisty barbs on a gleaming white cruise ship moored in Port Moresby set the scene for a potentially fiery meeting between Xi and US President Donald Trump at the G20 summit in Argentina at the end of this month. But Xi and Pence, who both wore shiny, red shirts provided by the Pacific island did hold talks on Saturday night at the leaders' gala dinner. Pence told reporters on Sunday: "I spoke to President Xi twice during the course of this conference. We had a candid conversation." He told him that the US is interested in a better relationship with China "but there has to be change" in Beijing's trade policies. With fears that a trade war between the two rivals could cripple the Pacific Rim economy, some attendees voiced concern about the growing rivalry for influence in the region. "Business leaders do not want to speak out, but behind the scenes here, they are talking over dinner saying 'how has this happened'?" said Denis O'Brien, the billionaire chairman of Digicel. "It's a very forced situation, one country is trying to force all the other countries to change tariffs agreed over years," O'Brien told AFP. - Cruise ship diplomacy - Trump -- and Russian President Vladimir Putin -- both decided to skip the gathering, leaving the spotlight on Xi who arrived two days early to open a Chinese-funded school and road in Papua New Guinea's dirt-poor capital Port Moresby. Xi has been the star of the show, front and centre at official photos whereas Pence has kept a lower profile, only deciding at the last minute to stay overnight in Port Moresby -- shelving original plans to fly in and out from Cairns in Australia. As if to counter Chinese largesse, the US, Australia, New Zealand and Japan on Sunday announced a project to boost electricity capacity in Papua New Guinea. The project aims to raise the percentage of the PNG population with access to electricity from 13 percent to 70 percent. And as the US and China vie for influence in the region, the statement dangled the prospect of similar projects for countries that "support principles and values which help maintain and promote a free, open, prosperous and rules-based region." With the official business of the summit relatively low-key, much of the focus has been on the unlikely venue of Port Moresby, which is hosting its first international event of this scale. The city is on lockdown with hundreds of police and military patrolling the streets of the notoriously crime-ridden capital. Warships are stationed just off the coast to provide security for the leaders, and delegates and media have been housed in enormous cruise ships due to a dearth of hotel rooms.

Divided APEC leaders battle for unity after US, China spat

The police were called when Chinese officials attempted to "barge" into the office of Papua New Guinea's foreign minister, it emerged Sunday, as APEC summit tensions boiled over.

The Chinese delegates "tried to barge in" to Rimbink Pato's Port Moresby office Saturday, in an eleventh-hour bid to influence a summit draft communique, but were denied entry, three sources with knowledge of the situation told AFP.

"Police were posted outside the minister's office after they tried to barge in," one source privy to summit negotiations told AFP, requesting anonymity.

The diplomatic incident came with tensions already high at a summit of Asian-Pacific leaders that has been overshadowed by a spat between the United States and China.

Pato had refused to meet with the delegates, according to a source, who said: "It's not appropriate for the minister to negotiate solo with the Chinese. The Chinese negotiating officials know this."&nbsp;

The minister himself sought to downplay the incident, telling AFP: "There wasn't an issue."

The Chinese delegation has yet to comment publicly on the incident but was set to hold a news conference later Sunday.

APEC nations usually agree a joint statement but officials are struggling to bridge deep divides on trade policy and admit that a formal communique may not be issued.

This is not the first time Chinese officials have been involved in a tense incident at a regional meeting.

At the Pacific Islands Forum in September, Nauru's president demanded China apologise after its delegation walked out of a meeting when the host refused to let an envoy speak until island leaders had finished.

"They're not our friends. They just need us for their own purposes," President Baron Waqa said at the time.

The police were called when Chinese officials attempted to "barge" into the office of Papua New Guinea's foreign minister, it emerged Sunday, as APEC summit tensions boiled over.

The police were called when Chinese officials attempted to "barge" into the office of Papua New Guinea's foreign minister, it emerged Sunday, as APEC summit tensions boiled over. The Chinese delegates "tried to barge in" to Rimbink Pato's Port Moresby office Saturday, in an eleventh-hour bid to influence a summit draft communique, but were denied entry, three sources with knowledge of the situation told AFP. "Police were posted outside the minister's office after they tried to barge in," one source privy to summit negotiations told AFP, requesting anonymity. The diplomatic incident came with tensions already high at a summit of Asian-Pacific leaders that has been overshadowed by a spat between the United States and China. Pato had refused to meet with the delegates, according to a source, who said: "It's not appropriate for the minister to negotiate solo with the Chinese. The Chinese negotiating officials know this." The minister himself sought to downplay the incident, telling AFP: "There wasn't an issue." The Chinese delegation has yet to comment publicly on the incident but was set to hold a news conference later Sunday. APEC nations usually agree a joint statement but officials are struggling to bridge deep divides on trade policy and admit that a formal communique may not be issued. This is not the first time Chinese officials have been involved in a tense incident at a regional meeting. At the Pacific Islands Forum in September, Nauru's president demanded China apologise after its delegation walked out of a meeting when the host refused to let an envoy speak until island leaders had finished. "They're not our friends. They just need us for their own purposes," President Baron Waqa said at the time.

Police called on diplomats as APEC summit tensions boil over

China and the US crossed swords Saturday ahead of an APEC summit, duelling over protectionism, trade tariffs and "chequebook diplomacy" as they laid out sharply contrasting visions for the Pacific Rim region.

In combative back-to-back speeches at a business forum held on a hulking cruise ship moored in Port Moresby, Xi Jinping and US Vice President Mike Pence pulled few punches.

The feisty exchanges laid the ground for what could be a fiery encounter between the Chinese leader and President Donald Trump at next month's G20 in Argentina.

Xi lashed out at "America First" trade protectionism and stressed that global trade rules should not be applied "with double standards or selfish agendas" -- in a thinly veiled swipe at Washington.

The world's top two economies have been embroiled in a spiralling trade war, imposing tit-for-tat tariffs on each other's goods in a confrontation experts warn could torpedo the global economy.

Xi urged the world to "say no to protectionism and unilateralism", warning it was a "short-sighted approach" that was "doomed to failure".

For his part, Pence vowed US tariffs would remain in place unless Beijing "changes its ways".

"We've put tariffs on USD 250 billion in Chinese goods and that number could more than double," he told CEOs from around the region.

Amid fears diplomatic and trade friction could spill over into the military sphere, Pence announced the US would join forces with Australia in the development of a new naval base.

And in a move likely to irritate Beijing, he also briefly met Taiwan's APEC representative.

Trump decided to skip the summit in Papua New Guinea, leaving the door open for Xi, who arrived two days earlier for a state visit and has been the undoubted star of the show.

Xi opened a new road and a school in Port Moresby, where he was serenaded by dozens of people from various tribes sporting parrot feathers, possum pelts and seashell necklaces.

The APEC summit of leaders from 21 countries across the region has developed into a tussle for influence between an increasingly assertive China and a more withdrawn US.

This appeared to be borne out by the first "family photo" of leaders, which featured Xi front and centre while Pence was absent.

But in his speech, Pence lashed out at Chinese largesse in strong terms, mocking the Belt-and-Road initiative that sees China offering loans to poorer countries in the region to improve infrastructure.

The vice president urged Pacific nations to embrace the United States, which, he said, did not offer a "constricting belt or a one-way road".

He said the terms of China's loans were "opaque at best" and "too often, they come with strings attached and lead to staggering debt".

"Do not accept foreign debt that could compromise your sovereignty," he said.

"We don't drown our partners in a sea of debt... We don't coerce, corrupt, or compromise your independence. The United States deals openly and fairly."&nbsp;

As if pre-empting the criticism, Xi defended the plan amid attacks it is akin to "chequebook diplomacy" to further Chinese interests in the region.

He denied there was a "hidden geopolitical agenda... Nor is it a trap as some people have labelled it".

And the Chinese leader warned that no one would gain from heightened tensions between the US and his emerging superpower.

"History has shown that confrontation -- whether in the form of a cold war, hot war or trade war -- will produce no winners," he said.

Pence too stressed that Washington wanted a "better relationship" with Beijing -- if it respects its neighbours' sovereignty, embraced "free, fair and reciprocal trade" and improved its human rights record.

Officially, the leaders will discuss improving regional economic cooperation under the theme of "embracing the digital future" but the punchy speeches set the scene for a tense gathering.

In the absence of Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the summit itself has been relatively low-key and the focus has turned to the venue Port Moresby.

The capital of Papua New Guinea has been ranked as one of the least liveable cities for expatriates, with a high level of crime, often perpetrated by feared street gangs known as "raskols".

Delegates have been advised not to venture out alone -- especially after dark -- and officials and journalists have been hosted on massive cruise ships moored in the harbour due to safety issues and a dearth of hotel rooms.

Nevertheless, in a last-minute change-of-heart, Pence decided to stay overnight in the city rather than fly in and out from Australia as originally planned.

Resplendent in shiny red or yellow patterned shirts, the leaders enjoyed a respite from negotiations at a gala dinner before starting the formal talks on Sunday.&nbsp;

China and the US crossed swords Saturday ahead of an APEC summit, duelling over protectionism, trade tariffs and "chequebook diplomacy" as they laid out sharply contrasting visions for the Pacific Rim region.

China and the US crossed swords Saturday ahead of an APEC summit, duelling over protectionism, trade tariffs and "chequebook diplomacy" as they laid out sharply contrasting visions for the Pacific Rim region. In combative back-to-back speeches at a business forum held on a hulking cruise ship moored in Port Moresby, Xi Jinping and US Vice President Mike Pence pulled few punches. The feisty exchanges laid the ground for what could be a fiery encounter between the Chinese leader and President Donald Trump at next month's G20 in Argentina. Xi lashed out at "America First" trade protectionism and stressed that global trade rules should not be applied "with double standards or selfish agendas" -- in a thinly veiled swipe at Washington. The world's top two economies have been embroiled in a spiralling trade war, imposing tit-for-tat tariffs on each other's goods in a confrontation experts warn could torpedo the global economy. Xi urged the world to "say no to protectionism and unilateralism", warning it was a "short-sighted approach" that was "doomed to failure". For his part, Pence vowed US tariffs would remain in place unless Beijing "changes its ways". "We've put tariffs on USD 250 billion in Chinese goods and that number could more than double," he told CEOs from around the region. Amid fears diplomatic and trade friction could spill over into the military sphere, Pence announced the US would join forces with Australia in the development of a new naval base. And in a move likely to irritate Beijing, he also briefly met Taiwan's APEC representative. Trump decided to skip the summit in Papua New Guinea, leaving the door open for Xi, who arrived two days earlier for a state visit and has been the undoubted star of the show. Xi opened a new road and a school in Port Moresby, where he was serenaded by dozens of people from various tribes sporting parrot feathers, possum pelts and seashell necklaces. The APEC summit of leaders from 21 countries across the region has developed into a tussle for influence between an increasingly assertive China and a more withdrawn US. This appeared to be borne out by the first "family photo" of leaders, which featured Xi front and centre while Pence was absent. But in his speech, Pence lashed out at Chinese largesse in strong terms, mocking the Belt-and-Road initiative that sees China offering loans to poorer countries in the region to improve infrastructure. The vice president urged Pacific nations to embrace the United States, which, he said, did not offer a "constricting belt or a one-way road". He said the terms of China's loans were "opaque at best" and "too often, they come with strings attached and lead to staggering debt". "Do not accept foreign debt that could compromise your sovereignty," he said. "We don't drown our partners in a sea of debt... We don't coerce, corrupt, or compromise your independence. The United States deals openly and fairly." As if pre-empting the criticism, Xi defended the plan amid attacks it is akin to "chequebook diplomacy" to further Chinese interests in the region. He denied there was a "hidden geopolitical agenda... Nor is it a trap as some people have labelled it". And the Chinese leader warned that no one would gain from heightened tensions between the US and his emerging superpower. "History has shown that confrontation -- whether in the form of a cold war, hot war or trade war -- will produce no winners," he said. Pence too stressed that Washington wanted a "better relationship" with Beijing -- if it respects its neighbours' sovereignty, embraced "free, fair and reciprocal trade" and improved its human rights record. Officially, the leaders will discuss improving regional economic cooperation under the theme of "embracing the digital future" but the punchy speeches set the scene for a tense gathering. In the absence of Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the summit itself has been relatively low-key and the focus has turned to the venue Port Moresby. The capital of Papua New Guinea has been ranked as one of the least liveable cities for expatriates, with a high level of crime, often perpetrated by feared street gangs known as "raskols". Delegates have been advised not to venture out alone -- especially after dark -- and officials and journalists have been hosted on massive cruise ships moored in the harbour due to safety issues and a dearth of hotel rooms. Nevertheless, in a last-minute change-of-heart, Pence decided to stay overnight in the city rather than fly in and out from Australia as originally planned. Resplendent in shiny red or yellow patterned shirts, the leaders enjoyed a respite from negotiations at a gala dinner before starting the formal talks on Sunday.

US, China in APEC cruise ship clash on trade, influence

The United States and China swapped barbs over trade, investment and regional security at an Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit on Saturday, as growing fault lines among members suggested little prospect of consensus at the weekend meeting.

Speaking in the Papua New Guinean capital, US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence said there would be no end to American tariffs until China changed its ways, after its president, Xi Jinping, warned that the shadow of protectionism and unilateralism was hanging over global growth.

Illustrating the impasse between the world's two largest economies, a diplomat involved in negotiating an APEC leaders' declaration told Reuters trade was a sticking point, and the host nation was having trouble finding language acceptable to all.

Pence took direct aim at Xi's flagship Belt and Road programme, which China has been promoting to Pacific nations at APEC, saying countries should not accept debt that compromised their sovereignty.

"We do not offer constricting belt or a one-way road," Pence told the APEC CEO summit, a precursor to the official leaders' meeting, held on a cruise liner tethered in Port Moresby's Fairfax Harbour.

China's efforts to win friends in the resource-rich Pacific have been watched warily by the traditionally influential powers in the region - Australia and the United States.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump is not attending the APEC meeting, nor is his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

Xi, who is staying in Port Moresby, has been feted by PNG officials and stoked Western concern on Friday when he held a meeting with Pacific island leaders, in which he pitched the Belt and Road initiative.

Speaking before Pence, Xi said there was no geopolitical agenda behind the project, which was unveiled in 2013 and aims to bolster a network of land and sea links with Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

"It does not exclude anyone. It is not an exclusive club closed to non-members, nor is it a trap as some people have labelled it."

There have been concerns that small countries that sign up for infrastructure projects will be left with debt burdens they cannot service, something Pence highlighted.

"Do not accept foreign debt that could compromise your sovereignty. Protect your interest. Preserve your independence. And just like America, always put your country first," he said.

Sri Lanka formally handed over commercial activities in its main southern port of Hambantota to a Chinese company last December as part of a plan to convert $6 billion of loans that Sri Lanka owed China into equity.

Soon after Pence spoke, Australia said it was joining the United States and Japan in a partnership that would help countries in the region develop infrastructure priorities, a possible alternative to China's Belt and Road.

Regional security

Pence also said the United States would join Australia to help Papua New Guinea build a navy base on its Manus Island, which was a US&nbsp;base in World War Two.

The plan comes after China emerged as a possible developer of the deep-water port, which analysts say could impact the West's ability to navigate in the Pacific while offering China a site close to US&nbsp;bases in Guam.

"The United States of America will continue to uphold the freedom of the seas and the skies, which are so essential to our prosperity," Pence said.

In a meeting that could irritate Beijing, Pence had talks with Taiwan's envoy to APEC, Morris Chang.

Beijing considers Taiwan a wayward province of "one China", ineligible for state-to-state relations, and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control.

Despite Taiwan's lack of diplomatic recognition by the majority of countries, APEC allows it to participate as an economic, rather than political, entity.

Pence later told reporters travelling with him he would "carry back" a Taiwan proposal for a free trade agreement.

Double tariffs?&nbsp;

There were differences between other APEC members, with some calling for radical change to trade systems while others argued for a return to the status quo on globalisation.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad warned globalisation was leaving some people behind and fuelling inequality.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison mounted a defence of free trade, saying a billion people had been lifted out of extreme poverty since 1991 because of the jobs and cheaper goods that free trade brought.

Xi told delegates that the shadow of "protectionism and unilateralism" hung over global growth and erecting barriers and cutting ties was short-sighted and doomed to fail.

But Pence made it clear that the United States would not back down, saying it could more than double the $250 billion of Chinese goods subject to tariffs.

"The United States though will not change course until China changes its ways," Pence said.

Trump and Xi are due to meet at a G20 meeting in Argentina late this month, raising some hope that trade tension could ease.

Trump is pressing China to reduce its huge bilateral trade surplus and make sweeping changes to its policies on trade, technology transfers and high-tech industrial subsidies.

China has denied that US&nbsp;companies are forced to transfer technology and sees US&nbsp;demands on rolling back its industrial policies as an attempt to contain China’s economic rise.

Sebastián Piñera, the president of Chile, which will host next year's APEC, called on the two powers to find a resolution.

"This is a very good opportunity to ask the US&nbsp;and China to find ways to end their tariff and trade war which benefits no one," he told the forum.

"Both countries will have to change course."

The United States and China swapped barbs over trade, investment and regional security at an Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit on Saturday, as growing fault lines among members suggested little prospect of consensus at the weekend meeting.

The United States and China swapped barbs over trade, investment and regional security at an Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit on Saturday, as growing fault lines among members suggested little prospect of consensus at the weekend meeting. Speaking in the Papua New Guinean capital, US Vice President Mike Pence said there would be no end to American tariffs until China changed its ways, after its president, Xi Jinping, warned that the shadow of protectionism and unilateralism was hanging over global growth. Illustrating the impasse between the world's two largest economies, a diplomat involved in negotiating an APEC leaders' declaration told Reuters trade was a sticking point, and the host nation was having trouble finding language acceptable to all. Pence took direct aim at Xi's flagship Belt and Road programme, which China has been promoting to Pacific nations at APEC, saying countries should not accept debt that compromised their sovereignty. "We do not offer constricting belt or a one-way road," Pence told the APEC CEO summit, a precursor to the official leaders' meeting, held on a cruise liner tethered in Port Moresby's Fairfax Harbour. China's efforts to win friends in the resource-rich Pacific have been watched warily by the traditionally influential powers in the region - Australia and the United States. US President Donald Trump is not attending the APEC meeting, nor is his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. Xi, who is staying in Port Moresby, has been feted by PNG officials and stoked Western concern on Friday when he held a meeting with Pacific island leaders, in which he pitched the Belt and Road initiative. Speaking before Pence, Xi said there was no geopolitical agenda behind the project, which was unveiled in 2013 and aims to bolster a network of land and sea links with Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. "It does not exclude anyone. It is not an exclusive club closed to non-members, nor is it a trap as some people have labelled it." There have been concerns that small countries that sign up for infrastructure projects will be left with debt burdens they cannot service, something Pence highlighted. "Do not accept foreign debt that could compromise your sovereignty. Protect your interest. Preserve your independence. And just like America, always put your country first," he said. Sri Lanka formally handed over commercial activities in its main southern port of Hambantota to a Chinese company last December as part of a plan to convert $6 billion of loans that Sri Lanka owed China into equity. Soon after Pence spoke, Australia said it was joining the United States and Japan in a partnership that would help countries in the region develop infrastructure priorities, a possible alternative to China's Belt and Road. Regional security Pence also said the United States would join Australia to help Papua New Guinea build a navy base on its Manus Island, which was a US base in World War Two. The plan comes after China emerged as a possible developer of the deep-water port, which analysts say could impact the West's ability to navigate in the Pacific while offering China a site close to US bases in Guam. "The United States of America will continue to uphold the freedom of the seas and the skies, which are so essential to our prosperity," Pence said. In a meeting that could irritate Beijing, Pence had talks with Taiwan's envoy to APEC, Morris Chang. Beijing considers Taiwan a wayward province of "one China", ineligible for state-to-state relations, and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Despite Taiwan's lack of diplomatic recognition by the majority of countries, APEC allows it to participate as an economic, rather than political, entity. Pence later told reporters travelling with him he would "carry back" a Taiwan proposal for a free trade agreement. Double tariffs? There were differences between other APEC members, with some calling for radical change to trade systems while others argued for a return to the status quo on globalisation. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad warned globalisation was leaving some people behind and fuelling inequality. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison mounted a defence of free trade, saying a billion people had been lifted out of extreme poverty since 1991 because of the jobs and cheaper goods that free trade brought. Xi told delegates that the shadow of "protectionism and unilateralism" hung over global growth and erecting barriers and cutting ties was short-sighted and doomed to fail. But Pence made it clear that the United States would not back down, saying it could more than double the $250 billion of Chinese goods subject to tariffs. "The United States though will not change course until China changes its ways," Pence said. Trump and Xi are due to meet at a G20 meeting in Argentina late this month, raising some hope that trade tension could ease. Trump is pressing China to reduce its huge bilateral trade surplus and make sweeping changes to its policies on trade, technology transfers and high-tech industrial subsidies. China has denied that US companies are forced to transfer technology and sees US demands on rolling back its industrial policies as an attempt to contain China’s economic rise. Sebastián Piñera, the president of Chile, which will host next year's APEC, called on the two powers to find a resolution. "This is a very good opportunity to ask the US and China to find ways to end their tariff and trade war which benefits no one," he told the forum. "Both countries will have to change course."

US-China discord dominates APEC summit in Papua New Guinea

President Donald Trump said Saturday he believes Vladimir Putin is being sincere when he denies meddling in the US election that propelled Trump to power, adding that the Russian leader felt &quot;very insulted&quot; by the allegations.

But in Washington, the director of the CIA said he stood by the US intelligence community&#39;s assessment that Russia did try to meddle in the election.

Trump, whose key former aides are under US investigation for possible collaboration with the Kremlin, said he repeatedly asked Putin about the claims during their chats at the APEC summit in the Vietnamese resort of Danang.

&quot;He (Putin) said he didn&#39;t meddle. I asked him again,&quot; Trump told reporters on Air Force One as he flew to Hanoi for a state visit.

&quot;You can only ask so many times...He said he absolutely did not meddle in our election,&quot; Trump said, adding he felt Putin seemed &quot;very insulted&quot; by the persistent accusations, which was &quot;not a good thing for our country.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;I really believe that when he tells me that, he means it,&quot; added Trump, who is marking one year since his shock election victory.&nbsp;

In May, US intelligence chiefs told Congress that they agreed with their analysts&#39; conclusion that Russia had meddled in the election.

And in January, 17 US intelligence agencies took the extraordinary step of stating publicly that they believed Russia did try to interfere in the election.

In a statement to CNN Saturday after Trump spoke, CIA director Mike Pompeo, who was appointed by Trump, said he still believes in that evaluation.

&quot;The Director stands by and has always stood by the January 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment entitled: Assessing Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent US Elections. The intelligence assessment with regard to Russian election meddling has not changed,&quot; the statement read.

The US president&#39;s latest comments suggest he accepts Russia&#39;s staunch denials that the Kremlin played no part in helping him get to the White House allegations that continue to dog Trump&#39;s administration.

Some US lawmakers criticised Trump harshly for his statement.

Representative Adam Schiff, the senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said Trump &quot;fools no one.&quot;

Schiff said Trump understands the Russians hacked into Democratic leaders&#39; emails and dumped them, and used social media in a bid to hurt Hillary Clinton and help him win the election and divide the country. &nbsp;

&quot;He understands all this and more,&quot; Schiff said in a statement. &quot;He just doesn&#39;t understand how to put country over self. Or to put it in terms he is more familiar with &mdash; Mr&nbsp;Trump simply can&#39;t bring himself to put America first.&quot;

John McCain, a longtime Trump critic, added: &quot;There is nothing &#39;America First&#39; about taking the word of a KGB colonel over that of the American intelligence community.&quot;

Putin also addressed the allegations on Saturday after his meeting with Trump, describing them as a US &quot;domestic political struggle.&quot;

&quot;I think these are some sort of fantasies,&quot; he told reporters in Danang.

Trump&#39;s former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and an associate are under house arrest on charges unrelated to the election brought by special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating the allegations that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia.

Revelations by Facebook and Twitter that Russian-sponsored fake news flooded US social media during the election run-up have further deepened scrutiny on ties between the nations.

Trump and Putin met three times on the margins of the APEC summit, sharing warm handshakes and brief words.

The pair appeared to have struck a chummy tone, with Trump describing a &quot;very good feeling&quot; after the talks, and Putin remarking on the &quot;well-mannered&quot; former reality TV star.

Asked by reporters on Air Force One if he believed Putin, Trump said he was keen to move on to other issues.

&quot;Look, I can&#39;t stand there and argue with him,&quot; Trump said. &quot;I&#39;d rather have him get out of Syria, I would rather get to work with him on the Ukraine.&quot;

The exchanges produced a rare common ground on the war in Syria, a bloody six-year conflict which has seen the US and Russia back competing factions.

In a joint statement, the leaders said there was &quot;no military solution&quot; to the war, an agreement that may mark a small step toward peace.

America First&nbsp;

Trump also gave a loud airing to his &quot;America First&quot; rhetoric at the APEC summit.

In a speech on Friday, Trump said American jobs had been siphoned overseas by countries with cheap labour but little compunction to play by trade rules.

&quot;We are not going to let the United States be taken advantage of any more,&quot; he said, adding his country would now use its economic might to cut favourable bilateral deals.

China&#39;s President Xi Jinping laid out a different narrative to the same hall, positioning the world&#39;s second largest economy at the heart of the future of global free trade as the US retreats.

As a first mark of a new trade era without the US as its pivot point, 11 Asia-Pacific countries on Saturday agreed to press ahead with the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP)&nbsp;a major agreement abruptly abandoned by Trump at the start of the year.

President Donald Trump said Saturday he believes Vladimir Putin is being sincere when he denies meddling in the US election that propelled Trump to power, adding that the Russian leader felt 'very insulted' by the allegations

President Donald Trump said Saturday he believes Vladimir Putin is being sincere when he denies meddling in the US election that propelled Trump to power, adding that the Russian leader felt "very insulted" by the allegations. But in Washington, the director of the CIA said he stood by the US intelligence community's assessment that Russia did try to meddle in the election. Trump, whose key former aides are under US investigation for possible collaboration with the Kremlin, said he repeatedly asked Putin about the claims during their chats at the APEC summit in the Vietnamese resort of Danang. "He (Putin) said he didn't meddle. I asked him again," Trump told reporters on Air Force One as he flew to Hanoi for a state visit. "You can only ask so many times...He said he absolutely did not meddle in our election," Trump said, adding he felt Putin seemed "very insulted" by the persistent accusations, which was "not a good thing for our country." "I really believe that when he tells me that, he means it," added Trump, who is marking one year since his shock election victory. In May, US intelligence chiefs told Congress that they agreed with their analysts' conclusion that Russia had meddled in the election. And in January, 17 US intelligence agencies took the extraordinary step of stating publicly that they believed Russia did try to interfere in the election. In a statement to CNN Saturday after Trump spoke, CIA director Mike Pompeo, who was appointed by Trump, said he still believes in that evaluation. "The Director stands by and has always stood by the January 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment entitled: Assessing Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent US Elections. The intelligence assessment with regard to Russian election meddling has not changed," the statement read. The US president's latest comments suggest he accepts Russia's staunch denials that the Kremlin played no part in helping him get to the White House allegations that continue to dog Trump's administration. Some US lawmakers criticised Trump harshly for his statement. Representative Adam Schiff, the senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said Trump "fools no one." Schiff said Trump understands the Russians hacked into Democratic leaders' emails and dumped them, and used social media in a bid to hurt Hillary Clinton and help him win the election and divide the country. "He understands all this and more," Schiff said in a statement. "He just doesn't understand how to put country over self. Or to put it in terms he is more familiar with — Mr Trump simply can't bring himself to put America first." John McCain, a longtime Trump critic, added: "There is nothing 'America First' about taking the word of a KGB colonel over that of the American intelligence community." Putin also addressed the allegations on Saturday after his meeting with Trump, describing them as a US "domestic political struggle." "I think these are some sort of fantasies," he told reporters in Danang. Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and an associate are under house arrest on charges unrelated to the election brought by special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating the allegations that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia. Revelations by Facebook and Twitter that Russian-sponsored fake news flooded US social media during the election run-up have further deepened scrutiny on ties between the nations. Trump and Putin met three times on the margins of the APEC summit, sharing warm handshakes and brief words. The pair appeared to have struck a chummy tone, with Trump describing a "very good feeling" after the talks, and Putin remarking on the "well-mannered" former reality TV star. Asked by reporters on Air Force One if he believed Putin, Trump said he was keen to move on to other issues. "Look, I can't stand there and argue with him," Trump said. "I'd rather have him get out of Syria, I would rather get to work with him on the Ukraine." The exchanges produced a rare common ground on the war in Syria, a bloody six-year conflict which has seen the US and Russia back competing factions. In a joint statement, the leaders said there was "no military solution" to the war, an agreement that may mark a small step toward peace. America First Trump also gave a loud airing to his "America First" rhetoric at the APEC summit. In a speech on Friday, Trump said American jobs had been siphoned overseas by countries with cheap labour but little compunction to play by trade rules. "We are not going to let the United States be taken advantage of any more," he said, adding his country would now use its economic might to cut favourable bilateral deals. China's President Xi Jinping laid out a different narrative to the same hall, positioning the world's second largest economy at the heart of the future of global free trade as the US retreats. As a first mark of a new trade era without the US as its pivot point, 11 Asia-Pacific countries on Saturday agreed to press ahead with the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) a major agreement abruptly abandoned by Trump at the start of the year.

Trump says Putin 'means it' with election meddling denials

The death toll from the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/27-dead-as-typhoon-damrey-batters-vietnam-23533" target="_blank">typhoon that struck Vietnam</a> at the weekend has risen to at least 49, the government said on Monday.

After Typhoon Damrey&#39;s winds tore off roofs, felled trees and ripped up electricity poles, heavy rains brought floods to central Vietnam just days before the region is due to host the APEC summit of Asia-Pacific leaders.

The Communist state&rsquo;s Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention said 49 people had been killed and 27 were missing. It did not say how the victims died, but said most casualties were in Khan Hoa province near the city of Nha Trang, where the storm made landfall on Saturday.

Nearly 2,000 homes had collapsed and more than 80,000 had been damaged, it said. Roads that had been flooded or washed away caused traffic jams across several provinces.

In Danang, authorities called on soldiers and local people to clean up after the rains so that the beach resort would be ready for delegates to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeetings, which started on Monday.

Although the rain continued, organisers said the schedule had not been disrupted.

Danang will host U.S. President Donald Trump from Nov. 10, as well as China&rsquo;s President Xi Jinping, Russia&rsquo;s President Vladimir Putin and counterparts from other APEC members.

The storm moved from the coastal area into a key coffee-growing region of the world&rsquo;s biggest producer of robusta coffee beans. The typhoon had damaged some coffee trees at the start of the harvest season, farm officials said. But farmers in Daklak, the heart of the region, said the damage was limited.

Floods killed more than 80 people in northern Vietnam last month, while a typhoon wreaked havoc in central provinces in September. The country of more than 90 million people is prone to destructive storms and flooding due to its long coastline.

After Typhoon Damrey's winds tore off roofs, felled trees and ripped up electricity poles, heavy rains brought floods to central Vietnam just days before the region is due to host the APEC summit of Asia-Pacific leaders

The death toll from the typhoon that struck Vietnam at the weekend has risen to at least 49, the government said on Monday. After Typhoon Damrey's winds tore off roofs, felled trees and ripped up electricity poles, heavy rains brought floods to central Vietnam just days before the region is due to host the APEC summit of Asia-Pacific leaders. The Communist state’s Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention said 49 people had been killed and 27 were missing. It did not say how the victims died, but said most casualties were in Khan Hoa province near the city of Nha Trang, where the storm made landfall on Saturday. Nearly 2,000 homes had collapsed and more than 80,000 had been damaged, it said. Roads that had been flooded or washed away caused traffic jams across several provinces. In Danang, authorities called on soldiers and local people to clean up after the rains so that the beach resort would be ready for delegates to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeetings, which started on Monday. Although the rain continued, organisers said the schedule had not been disrupted. Danang will host U.S. President Donald Trump from Nov. 10, as well as China’s President Xi Jinping, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and counterparts from other APEC members. The storm moved from the coastal area into a key coffee-growing region of the world’s biggest producer of robusta coffee beans. The typhoon had damaged some coffee trees at the start of the harvest season, farm officials said. But farmers in Daklak, the heart of the region, said the damage was limited. Floods killed more than 80 people in northern Vietnam last month, while a typhoon wreaked havoc in central provinces in September. The country of more than 90 million people is prone to destructive storms and flooding due to its long coastline.

Death toll from Vietnam storm nears 50

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