From a forum seen by many as "forgettable", the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit which is to take place in Peru this weekend has gained importance. In truth, almost no one can remember an interesting Apec summit decision. Some believe that the Apec summit may now play directly into the hands of China, with its triple-play economic plans for the Asia-Pacific and far beyond. Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose amicable phone conversation with President-elect Trump has significantly calmed global fears over trade protectionism, already has plans to exploit the Apec summit. For many countries, the Apec summit will potentially be hearing, debating and starting to make important decisions about this new Chinese order as Washington under Mr Trump is preparing to reduce its role in global affairs.

Source: Bangkok Post November 15, 2016 22:15 UTC