“CRIMINALS AND DRUGS”
China is an ally of Western pariahs Russia and North Korea, and is building up its own military capacity while ramping up pressure on Taiwan, which it claims as part of its territory.
It is also expanding its reach into Latin America through infrastructure and other projects under its Belt and Road Initiative.
Xi will on Thursday inaugurate South America’s first Chinese-funded port, in Chancay, north of Lima.
Xi, in an article penned for the official El Peruano newspaper, said Beijing was ready to work with Lima towards “true multilateralism” and “a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation”.
Biden, meanwhile, will on Friday meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol – key US allies in Asia.
Before leaving Tokyo for the summit, Ishiba said the talks would seek to “confirm and enhance” trilateral cooperation.
As for China, “there are issues between the two countries. But there are also issues that we must work together on. I would like to have a frank exchange of opinions on these issues”, said Ishiba.
China isn’t the only country in Trump’s economic crosshairs.
The incoming US leader has threatened tariffs of 25 per cent or more on goods coming from Mexico – another APEC member – unless it stops an “onslaught of criminals and drugs” crossing the border.
Peru has deployed more than 13,000 members of the armed forces to keep the peace in Lima as transport workers and shop owners protested against crime and perceived government neglect.
Several dozen demonstrators gathered near the summit venue on Thursday.
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