Biden's APEC Agenda: Workers' Rights, Chinese Relations, and Economic Ties

President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of workers' rights and stable relations with China at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. While his vision for a regional trade pact to counter China's influence faced obstacles over labor rights, Biden expressed his commitment to advancing high-standard trade that promotes workers' rights. The hopes for an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) trade deal were dashed as members failed to agree on labor and environmental standards. Biden's administration plans to recalibrate trade negotiations with Indo-Pacific partners early next year. Biden also highlighted agreements on supply chain resilience, clean energy transitions, and combating corruption. He emphasized the need for private investment in addition to government investment and touted U.S. companies' investments in the region. Biden's summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed to stabilize relations, with Biden stating that a stable U.S.-China relationship is beneficial for the world.