Xi-Trump Summit Aside, Two Asian Meetings Matter More for Global Trade

While Western media may be fixated on the high-profile summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the real action for global trade might be unfolding elsewhere in Asia. This publication, the South China Morning Post, observes that two other significant gatherings demand attention: the Brics foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi and the extensive Apec meetings in Shanghai.

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But across Asia, Trump, with his massive business entourage, was not the only act in town this week.

These Asian-centric dialogues, involving a wide array of nations from the Global South and the 21-member Apec group, offer a different perspective on the turbulent state of global affairs. The article suggests that some participants might not even consider the Trump-Xi meeting as the most crucial event, highlighting a potential divergence in priorities and perceptions.

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At least two other major sets of meetings should not be overlooked.

The narrative from Beijing, as suggested by the article, is one of promoting multilateral cooperation, which sits uncomfortably with Trump's "America First" unilateral approach. This contrast underscores the complex geopolitical landscape where different blocs are navigating global trade and diplomacy according to their own interests and strategic imperatives. The focus on these Asian meetings provides a valuable counterpoint to the often US-centric view of international relations.

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First, in New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was hosting foreign ministers from the 10 Brics economies and a growing community of partners from the Global South.