China’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, has stated that China is willing to play a “constructive” role in ensuring the success of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco. This statement comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s absence from the annual Group of 20 (G20) summit in India, which raised concerns about China’s involvement in global affairs. The United States had criticized China for “giving up” on the G20 and accused it of building an alternative world order. Wang emphasized that China is in communication with relevant parties regarding APEC and will make an announcement in due time.
Despite tensions over issues such as Taiwan, dialogue between China and the United States has been slowly resuming. There are growing expectations that Xi and US President Joe Biden may meet on the sidelines of the APEC summit, as they missed the opportunity for a face-to-face meeting at the G20. At the same news conference, Wang expressed China’s opposition to the expansion of military alliances that limit the security space of other countries. China has been critical of the US military’s efforts to establish bases in the Philippines, particularly those facing Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory. Wang reiterated China’s preference for partnerships over alliances and highlighted North Korea as its sole remaining ally following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
In summary, China has expressed its willingness to contribute to the success of the APEC summit and is in communication with relevant parties regarding its attendance. The absence of President Xi from the G20 summit raised concerns and led the US to accuse China of building an alternative world order. Despite tensions, there are hopes for a potential meeting between Xi and President Biden at the APEC summit. China has also reiterated its opposition to the expansion of military alliances that impede the security of other countries, particularly criticizing US military bases in the Philippines facing Taiwan. China’s preference for partnerships over alliances was emphasized, while highlighting North Korea as its sole remaining ally.