Anthony Albanese is heading to the United States for the APEC summit, where all eyes will be on a highly anticipated meeting between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping.
Trade, climate and the digital economy are expected to be key topics for Anthony Albanese at the APEC summit in San Francisco, hosted by US President Joe Biden.
The Prime Minister left Canberra on Wednesday to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation leaders’ meeting.
The theme of the summit is ‘Creating a resilient and sustainable future for all’.
The APEC summit in San Francisco is hosted by US President Joe Biden.
“Engagement with APEC partners is critical to seizing the opportunities to create the jobs of the future, to expand our economic growth and to take advantage of our location – on the doorstep of the fastest growing region in the human history,” Mr Albanese said in a statement on Wednesday.
Anthony Albanese is pictured boarding a plane
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrives at Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai in China earlier this month
Free and open, rules-based trade, supply chain resilience and sustainable and inclusive economic growth would be Australia’s priorities, he said.
One of the most watched aspects of the summit will be Biden’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, their second in-person meeting since the US president took office in January 2021.
The two leaders are expected to discuss what the White House described as “moving the ball” on military-to-military communications with China, as well as the Israel-Hamas war and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Albanese told parliament on Wednesday that he would make it clear to other leaders that “democratic nations must stand up in accordance with the international rule of law.”
The Prime Minister recently noted the Chinese President’s participation in APEC and said talks with Mr Biden would be important.
“What we need to do is have more dialogue and discussion, because that creates more understanding and it can also prevent mistakes.”
China’s Xi Jinping will meet Joe Biden for the second time since the US leader took office.
The visit is expected to include a meeting with Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella, who in October announced a $5 billion investment in cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Australia, as well as training and cybersecurity programs.
This year marks 30 years since US President Bill Clinton hosted the first APEC leaders meeting on Blake Island, Washington.
Clinton also began the colorful tradition of outfitting leaders in themed attire and handing out bomber jackets to his visiting counterparts.
The 21 member economies of APEC account for almost 40 percent of the world’s population, almost half of world trade and 60 percent of global GDP.
The leaders will discuss trade and investment, the digital economy, health, gender equality and equity, clean energy and climate, anti-corruption and food security.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton called on Albanese to cancel his trip to address pressing domestic issues.
Mr Dutton said the Prime Minister should instead convene a meeting of prime ministers and chief ministers to discuss growing anti-Semitism and civil unrest in Australia amid the escalating conflict in Gaza.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton wants the Prime Minister to prioritize domestic affairs over APEC.
The Liberal leader also called on Mr Albanese to address security concerns following the release of criminals into the community following a Supreme Court ruling on immigration detention.
The US is pushing for APEC-wide action to reduce emissions in the transportation sector, including cleaner fuels in the air and maritime industries, and is leading the world in adopting zero-emission vehicles.
Leaders are also expected to discuss progress on the 14-nation Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, in which Australia is involved.
The IPEF includes four pillars of work: trade, supply chains, clean energy and taxation.
The members of APEC are: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.