US to Host Next Year's APEC Summit, Emphasizing a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific"

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The United States, by hosting the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, emphasized a 'free and open Indo-Pacific.' It is interpreted that President Joe Biden plans to use next year's meeting as an opportunity to strengthen the 'Indo-Pacific Economic Framework' (IPEF), which he prioritizes as a measure to counter China.

On the 10th (local time), the White House confirmed the hosting of next year's summit in a statement, saying it "will emphasize America's commitment to promoting fair and open trade and investment, enhancing U.S. competitiveness, and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific."

APEC is a consultative body of regional leaders established in 1989, with participation from over 20 countries including Korea, the United States, Japan, and China.

The White House stated, "(The Biden administration) has focused on expanding and strengthening economic ties in the region and has been pushing to host the APEC summit," emphasizing that "playing a strong and reliable partner role in the APEC economy and finding ways to lead economic opportunities, prosperity, and growth for all is a top priority."

It also expressed the intention to use next year's meeting as an opportunity to strengthen IPEF in connection with the Indo-Pacific strategy aimed at countering China. The White House explained, "The U.S. Department of Commerce, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), and others are cooperating with partner countries to develop IPEF to define shared regional goals."

This year's APEC summit will be held in Thailand. The chair country for 2024 is Peru.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.