There are deliberations on how to ensure “appropriate representation” for leaders facing U.S. sanctions, as stated by a senior State Department official.
The APEC Summit is set to take place in California, with the United States extending invitations to all member countries
Matt Murray, the U.S. senior official overseeing the APEC Summit, discussed the upcoming APEC summit meetings with VOA State Department bureau chief Nike Ching. The summit, commencing in mid-November in San Francisco, will bring together representatives from the 21 APEC Summit economies to address various critical issues, including energy security, sustainable agriculture, women’s economic empowerment, and health.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been under U.S. sanctions since February 25, 2022, due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, further compounded by an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in March. Despite the U.S.’s non-recognition of the court, President Joe Biden supported its decision, citing Putin’s alleged war crimes.
In Hong Kong, John Lee took office as chief executive on July 1, 2022
John Leee has been subject to U.S. Treasury sanctions since 2020 for purportedly undermining the region’s autonomy. Lee has dismissed these sanctions, asserting their lack of legal grounding in Hong Kong.
When questioned about inviting Putin and Lee to the APEC Summit leaders’ meetings, Murray emphasized that the Biden administration will adhere to U.S. “laws and regulations.” Additionally, efforts are underway to arrange a face-to-face meeting between President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC Summit, though specific details are still in progress.
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