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| APEC member economies |
"Obviously we prefer a US government that is working to one that is not. And we prefer a US president who is able to travel and fulfill his international duties to one who is preoccupied with national domestic affairs," Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said.
Russian President Putin said he would do the same if he is facing the same political hardship at home.
Leaders discussed on economic cooperation and security issues including territorial disputes between nations. THe nations, however, seem to have agreed on one thing: no wars. Most if not all nations have suffered from wars on their own lands and are well aware that wars are detrimental to the economy. The US national debt now stands at $17 trillion, is largely by the war expenses.
Is the US's influence declining in the region? Are the emerging powers change the political dynamics there? Could the states manage the region's economy and security? More than half of the world's economic activities happen in the region. The region boasts of low unemployment rates, stable old economies and rapid growth of new ones, and each with unique cultural heritage. APEC may or may not be a show of leadership. But one thing for sure; while the leaders continue to talk on those issues, the region prospers, largely in peace.