(EPA photo)PERU - Asia-Pacific leaders sent a strong message in defence of free trade Sunday as they wrapped up a summit that has been overshadowed by US President-elect Donald Trump's protectionism. Leaders then held a meeting on "challenges to free trade and investment." New Zealand Prime Minister John Key joked Saturday that it could be re-branded the "Trump Pacific Partnership." Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he was hopeful TPP would survive the unexpected "twist in the road" presented by the US election. Alternatively, China is backing a free trade zone across Apec -- a 21-member group that accounts for nearly 40 percent of the world's population and nearly 60 percent of the global economy.

Source: Bangkok Post November 20, 2016 20:10 UTC