Leaders from 21 Asia-Pacific economies are rallying in Lima, Peru, this week for the annual APEC forum – but this isn’t your grandparents’ trade summit. 🌐 While APEC has driven regional economic cooperation since 1989, this year’s gathering faces a new reality: rising protectionism, geopolitical tensions, and concerns over “political manipulation” in global trade.
💡 Key questions dominate the agenda: Can members reboot trust amid tech wars and supply chain reshuffling? How do they balance national interests with collective growth? A CGTN think tank roundtable highlighted debates over “de-risking” strategies and whether the Asia-Pacific can still champion multilateralism. “It’s like trying to build a TikTok dance routine with 21 different styles,” joked one analyst, stressing the need for compromise.
🌱 Optimists point to green tech partnerships and digital trade frameworks as bright spots. But with some members pushing export controls and investment barriers, the path forward remains rocky. Stay tuned as APEC navigates this high-stakes economic maze!
