APEC Summit: Leaders Agree on Carbon Emission, Coronavirus Vaccines, But Tensions Persist
New Zealand is facilitating the virtual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Summit because of a pandemic that has kept the global borders closed to practically all travelers for a very long time. In her address, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stated that the Summit would chalk a path towards recovery from this crisis. The 21 APEC leaders will discuss areas where members will cooperate on easing out border checks for trade and economic growth instead of attempting to settle longstanding disputes. However, profound strains remain between the 21 countries. These tensions have brought up issues regarding who can join a Pacific trade alliance and whether America will get an opportunity to host future meetings. Tensions are expected, however, during this week’s talks among the 21-economy group over Taiwan’s bid to join a regional trade pact and the United States’ bid to host the 2023 round of meetings. | @Reute...