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By Associated press
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea – An acrimonious meeting of world leaders in Papua New Guinea failed to agree on a final communiqué Sunday, highlighting the growing divisions between world powers, the United States and China.
The 21 countries participating in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Port Moresby have struggled to overcome differences over the role of the World Trade Organization, which governs international trade. A statement was to be issued instead by the chairman of the meeting, Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Peter O Neill.
"The whole world is worried" about the tensions between China and the United States, O Neill told a crowd of journalists who shot him after confirming that he was not There was no release from the leaders.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there were differences between several countries, including China and the United States.
Preliminary versions of the statement by the Associated Press showed that the United States wanted strong language against the unfair trade practices it accuses of China. At the same time, China wanted a reaffirmation of opposition to protectionism and unilateralism.
"I do not think it's a huge surprise that different visions emerge on particular elements of the trade and that we can not reach a full consensus on the release," Trudeau said.
The two-day summit was punctuated with acrimony and highlighted a growing rivalry between China and the West for its influence in the South Pacific, generally neglected. China is a relatively new country in providing aid, and its flawless, loan-laden approach has destabilized Western countries, which have been the main contributors to developing countries and often use this aid. to encourage countries to undertake reforms.
Vice President Mike Pence and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged speeches on Saturday.
Pence said he respected Xi and China, but also severely criticized the world's second largest economy for intellectual property theft, forced technology transfers and unfair trade practices.
The United States imposed additional tariffs on Chinese goods worth $ 250 billion this year and Beijing reacted by applying its own tariffs on its products.
According to Xi's speech, the world is faced with a choice between cooperation and confrontation as protectionism and unilateralism develop. He said that the rules of global institutions put in place after the Second World War, such as the World Trade Organization, should not be considered selfish goals.
Pence told reporters that during the weekend he had had two "frank" conversations with Xi, who is expected to meet with President Donald Trump at a group of 20 summit to be held at the end of the month at Buenos Aires.
"There are differences today, starting with business practices, tariffs and quotas, forced technology transfers, theft of intellectual property, and beyond the freedom of navigation in the seas. human rights concerns, "said Mr. Pence.
The United States is interested in a better relationship "but there must be a change" on the Chinese side, Pence told Xi, adding that the dialogue was important.
China's Foreign Ministry rejected American criticism that it was leading other developing countries into debt bondage.
"The assistance provided by China has been warmly welcomed by our partners in this region and beyond," said Wang Xiaolong, a senior official of the Foreign Ministry, during a press conference.
"No country, whether in this region or in other regions, has fallen into the debt trap because of its cooperation with China. Give me an example," he said. -he declares.
In Port Moresby, the impact of aid and loans from China is very visible. But the United States and its allies are striving to finance infrastructure in Papua New Guinea and other island states. The United States also announced that it would participate in Australia's plan to develop a naval base with Papua New Guinea.
On Sunday, the United States, New Zealand, Japan and Australia announced that they would work with the Government of Papua New Guinea to provide electricity to 70% of the population by 2030. Less than 20% have a reliable electricity supply.
"The US commitment of America to this region of the world has never been stronger," said Pence at a signing ceremony. His office said in a separate statement that other countries are welcome in the electrification initiative as long as they support the US vision of a free and open Pacific.
China, meanwhile, pledged $ 4 billion in funding for the construction of the first national road network in Papua New Guinea, among the least urbanized countries in the world.
