The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference of 2023 is currently underway in San Francisco, causing significant road and transit disruptions due to heightened security measures. The Department of Homeland Security has designated APEC as a National Special Security Event, with security zones established around Moscone Center, Nob Hill, and the eastern waterfront. The local economic impact of the event is projected to be approximately $52.8 million.
Among the key events of the summit, Taiwan is seeking a one-on-one meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden. According to a senior Taiwanese official, the meeting is not intended to send a message to China. Taiwan, which is claimed by China but is democratically ruled, participates in the APEC forum as 'Chinese Taipei' and does not send its president to summits.
In addition to the Taiwan-U.S. meeting, President Joe Biden is also set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The meeting is expected to be highly choreographed, with every detail, from seating arrangements to the choice of flowers, potentially carrying significance. This will be Xi's first trip to the United States in six years. The Chinese team is likely pushing for a venue away from the APEC site and talks lasting longer than those in Bali.
The meeting comes amidst tensions between the two global economies, with hopes to establish a framework for healthy, competitive relations. The APEC summit, which began on Saturday, is expected to draw thousands of protesters. Topics likely to be discussed between the U.S. and China include trade, Taiwan, and managing US-Chinese relations. Biden may also press Xi on China's influence over North Korea and Iran. US officials anticipate the meeting will yield concrete results, such as the re-establishment of military communication and a joint effort to combat illicit fentanyl trafficking.