US-China rivalry to dominate summithome/Business/Top Business/US-China rivalry to dominate summitPORT MORESBY: Asian Pacific leaders fly into the unlikely venue of Port Moresby today for a summit that is developing into a tug-of-war for regional influence between an assertive China and an increasingly withdrawn United States. President Xi Jinping arrived two days before the summit for a state visit, and will open a road and school — both funded by Beijing. But the hosting of the summit in Port Moresby, ranked as one of the world’s least liveable cities — has gathered as much attention as the topics under discussion. For safety and to avoid building new hotels that will later lie empty, officials and journalists are staying on three gleaming white cruise ships moored in Port Moresby harbour, with round-the-clock security. Prime Minister Peter O’Neill came under fire after splurging $6.4 million on the fleet of luxury cars when half the population of Port Moresby live in squatter settlements.

Source: Manila Times November 16, 2018 17:40 UTC