The summit of the APEC = Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Conference opened in Thailand on the 18th, and discussions began on the themes of trade and investment.
Opinions are likely to conflict in each country over the economic impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the focus will be on whether a summit declaration can be compiled.
The APEC Summit, which is attended by 21 countries and regions including Japan, the United States, China, and Russia, opened in Bangkok, Thailand, on the 18th.
On the 18th, Prime Minister Kishida, President Xi Jinping of China, Vice President Harris of the United States, and First Deputy Prime Minister Belousov of Russia attended, and Prime Minister Prayuth Prayuth of Thailand, the chair country, welcomed the meeting.
The main theme of the conference will be trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region, and leaders will discuss sustainable economic growth on the 18th.
The impact on the economy of soaring energy and food prices against the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine will also be discussed at the conference, and it is expected that Japan, the United States, etc. and Russia will have conflicting opinions.
At APEC's past ministerial-level meetings, there have been conflicts of opinion among the countries over the situation in Ukraine, and a joint statement has not been issued.
In addition, the United States and China, which are in deepening conflict, are expected to strengthen their ties with other countries in order to expand their influence in Southeast Asia and other countries through this conference, and what kind of policy they will come up with is also noteworthy.