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What is the Impact of Obama's Absence at the APEC Summit?

Follow us on TWITTER: http://twitter.com/cnforbiddennews Like us on FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/chinaforbiddennews The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Bali, Indonesia, concluded on October 8. Each economic systems' leader gave their statements. The contents included continued promotion of multilateral trade. Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the APEC summit for the first time, and visited Indonesia and Malaysia en route. This is his first trip to Southeast Asia since he took the office. Regarding U.S. President Barack Obama's absence, some media say it might impact the U.S.'s position, and the Chinese Communists Party (CCP) would gain greater space. However, commentators say that relations between Southeast Asian countries and the United States will not change because of one absence of the U.S. President, neither will the Asian countries change their position. The closing ceremony of the 21st APEC's two-day economic leaders' informal meeting was held on October 8. Different countries' economic leaders said that they will continue to support and promote multilateral trade. The APEC was founded in 1989 and its members include 21 countries and regions. This year's theme is "Resilient Asia-Pacific, Engine of Global Growth." The three key discussions were "Realizing trade goals," "Reaching fair and sustainable growth," and "Promoting unity." It also focused on promoting "Economic and technical cooperation" and other specific work plans on capacity development. U.S. President Barack Obama didn't attend this summit due to the closure of the federal government. Some media reported that allies were very disappointed at this. U.S. political scientist Dr. Ran Bogong says that some reports exaggerated the impact of the U.S.'s absence at the summit. He says "China leading the APEC meetings was a very good opportunity for Xi Jinping. This is temporary. It won't have long-term consequences to U.S. policy in Asia. U.S. long-term impact in Asia will not see significant changes because of Obama's absence of the summit." Commentator Lan Shu: "Obama's missing the APEC was due to the closure of the federal government; the U.S. is confident in it's relationship with the APEC region." U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry attended the meeting on behalf of Obama. He also stressed that U.S. commitment to maritime security and trade negotiations in Asia will not change. In fact, Obama is not the first president who cancelled a trip to APEC due to a federal government shut down. In 1995, Clinton canceled his trip to the APEC summit held in Osaka, Japan, due to political reasons. U.S.-based China expert Chen Pokong: "Obama's absence has certain damage to the international image. On the surface it may be interpreted as a China-US rivalry: China's leader went to Southeast Asia, yet the U.S.'s didn't. It may seem as if China prevailed. But in fact, relations between Southeast Asian countries and the U.S. will not be affected in any way. U.S.'s strategic to return to Asia or the strategic balance is not affected. In his interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI) Chen Pokong said Obama's cancelation to the APEC summit has double effects. A few years ago the U.S. replaced the APEC summit with the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement (TPP). Obama's absence at the APEC was because the Republicans did not agree with his proposed bill. Chen Pokong believes that this is Obama's plan. Chen Pokong: "Now the CCP faces conflicts in the South China Sea, as well as the Diaoyu Islands and the East China Sea. Asian countries do not trust the CCP. They form an alliance with big countries such as the U.S. seeking security for Asia. Therefore the absence of the U.S. president to the APEC does not change the fundamental situation. Asian countries will not change their stances due to this." The U.S. is trying to sign the TPP Agreement with 11 Asia-Pacific countries to promote U.S. exports. It accounts for nearly 40% of global economy. The 11 countries do not include China. Once TPP is finalized, it will be the largest free trade agreement in U.S. history. 《神韵》2013世界巡演新亮点 http://www.ShenYunPerformingArts.org/

• published: 09 Oct 2013
• views: 117