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What is APEC about?

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APEC is a forum of 21 member economies focused on improving economic cooperation, fostering free trade, and promoting cross-border investment across the Asia-Pacific region. Founded in 1989, it operates on consensus and voluntary commitments, not legally binding agreements. Its members account for about half the world's population and 60% of global GDP. APEC faces challenges from geopolitical tensions, especially between the US and China, but remains a key platform for economic dialogue.

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APEC summit: Can Trump and Xi cool the U.S.-China trade war?

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  • APEC was established to promote economic cooperation and free trade among 21 member countries.
  • The US and China are central to this year's summit due to their escalating trade dispute. 37s
  • The US has threatened 100% tariffs on all Chinese imports, prompting China to restrict rare earth exports. 47s
  • A meeting between President Trump and President Xi is planned but remains uncertain. 1m 5s
International PoliticsEconomy

References

APEC summit: Can Trump and Xi cool the U.S.-China trade war?
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DW News
3 days ago
APEC summit: Can Trump and Xi cool the U.S.-China trade war?

The organization's purpose? To improve economic cooperation and foster free trade and cross-border investment.

APEC summit: Can Trump and Xi cool the U.S.-China trade war?
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DW News
3 days ago
APEC summit: Can Trump and Xi cool the U.S.-China trade war?

To date, APEC has delivered some 40 bi- and multilateral agreements. However, they are not legally binding.

APEC summit: Can Trump and Xi cool the U.S.-China trade war?
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DW News
3 days ago
APEC summit: Can Trump and Xi cool the U.S.-China trade war?

The group's heavyweights are the US, China, Russia, Canada and Australia. They represent approximately half of the world's population and 60% of global gross domestic product.

APEC shapes global trade but faces geopolitical challenges
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Reuters
5 days ago
APEC shapes global trade but faces geopolitical challenges

Founded in 1989, APEC was created to serve as an informal dialogue forum to promote regional economic integration.

APEC shapes global trade but faces geopolitical challenges
Icon
Reuters
5 days ago
APEC shapes global trade but faces geopolitical challenges

Operating on a basis of non-binding commitments and open dialogue, APEC says decisions are reached through consensus and voluntary commitments.

APEC shapes global trade but faces geopolitical challenges
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Reuters
5 days ago
APEC shapes global trade but faces geopolitical challenges

The side meeting with CEOs at the APEC meeting is important because, of course, APEC is about creating economic synergy, deregulating economies, creating harmonizing policies, and businesses are the immediate benefactor of those changes.

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