APEC members differs on security issue

cctv.com 10-21-2003 09:16

Pacific rim leaders remain divided over how best to handle security issues. This was clear from day one of the Bangkok APEC Informal Leadership Meeting. Washington is seeking practical and diplomatic support in the campaign against terror. So US President George W. Bush is pushing the security issue as a central topic of this year's meeting.

But many Asian countries are more interested in promoting intra-regional trade, the original goal of APEC, when the group was formed. Bush tried to make security the centerpiece of a statement to be released at the end of the two day meeting.

While some Asian countries were willing to move trade issues down on the agenda, Malaysia's prime minster said APEC should not become a security forum.

US Secretary of State Colin Powell doggedly echoed the president's call, pulling discussion back to Bush's campaign against terror.

Another topic that has little to do with trade that was discussed Monday, was the nuclear impasse on the Korean Peninsula.

Editor:Su  Source:CCTV.com