Philippine Forces on Alert, Assure APEC Summit’s Safety

Before the start of the function, or the APEC Business Advisory Council Women’ Luncheon, all participants stood up and observed a one-minute silence for the tragedy.

Like the delegates from China, Chinese President Xi Jinping is also flying to the Philippines on Tuesday, November 17, to attend the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

The President Trong Tan Sang received an invitation from Philippine President Benigno Aquino III.

French President Francois Hollande declared a state of emergency across the country following the deadly attacks.

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., on the other hand, said he was confident the intensified security procedures of the police would ensure the safety of all the heads of state who will be in Manila for the summit.

Thorny American ties with China and the Paris terrorist attacks are expected to grab attention from trade issues at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that will be held under extra-heavy security in the Philippine capital this week.

US President Barack Obama is set to join the leaders of China, Japan, Australia, Canada and 15 others at an annual Asia-Pacific Economic Conference summit in Manila on November 18-19.

Former Philippine Ambassador to Israel Marciano Paynor Jr., director general of the National Organizing Council for the Philippine hosting of Apec 2015, on Thursday, November 12, explained the seating plan for the summit and the practice called “troika” (group of three) among member-economies hosting the meeting. Manila is additionally presenting unique paths for APEC designates and pronouncing the opening day a public holiday which will lessen commuter traffic.

The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims to a few of the waters, which are home to a few of the world’s most important shipping trade routes.

APEC members account for 40% of the world’s population and 57% of the global economy.

More of the 800 Apec business leaders surveyed – PwC’s largest sample ever – point at expanded broadband access and increased participation in the digital economy as holding the most promise for their business from regional connectivity, ahead of regional trade projects or new infrastructure in underdeveloped areas of the region. “No country can challenge China in terms of military or coast guard in the South China Sea”.

Ms Bishop will use the APEC ministerial meeting on Monday to discuss regional and global matters.

The Philippines is the Southeast Asian country most at odds with Beijing over the South China Sea.

Activists burned mock American flags on Wednesday as way of protest against USA meddling in the dispute between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea.

Not everyone wishes the Apec summit well.