Chinese President Xi Jinping has confirmed that he will participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Bangkok on November 18-19, the foreign minister announced.
Ministry spokesman Tanee Sangrat said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had briefed his Thai counterpart Don Pramudwinai about the Chinese president’s participation in the summit.
However, Thai authorities have yet to receive a confirmation from US President Joe Biden.
Mr. Tanee said Thai officials were still in the process of coordinating over Mr. Biden’s involvement, adding: “We are trying all means to convince all of the APEC leaders to come.”
Responding to media reports that the US president is unlikely to travel to the capital, Mr. Tanee also explained that the lack of a clear decision by the US could be related to security concerns.
However, Mr. Biden has vowed to attend the G20 Summit in Bali on November 15 and 16, local media reported.
In addition, US Vice President Kamala Harris is set to participate in APEC, US media confirmed.
It has been reported that Mr. Biden will be unable to attend APEC in Bangkok as he must host a wedding reception for his eldest granddaughter Naomi Biden on November 19 at the White House.
Other APEC leaders have verbally confirmed their participation in the November event, including Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinta Ardern.
According to Mr. Tanee, the four Apec economies’ leaders have also confirmed their attendance. Six more are expected to travel to Bangkok for the summit, while five others have yet to announce their final decision.
APEC was established to take advantage of Asia-Pacific’s growing interdependence and has 21 member economies, including Thailand, United States, Vietnam, Chinese Taipei, Philippines, Peru, China, Russia, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, Mexico, New Zealand, South Korea, Malaysia, Brunei, China, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan, Canada, and Australia.
Mr. Tanee said that the matters to be discussed at the meeting are as important as who will attend.
“I think the US leader does give Asia-Pacific precedence, especially now that the US is in conflict with other superpowers. The three upcoming international forums to be held in Southeast Asia should be viewed as a good opportunity,” he added.
Meanwhile, government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said the APEC summit is a good opportunity for world leaders to discuss ways to stop the Ukraine-Russia war and address energy prices and food security issues.
The meeting will also allow leaders to share their experiences and economic stimulus measures to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic aftermath, Mr. Anucha added.
