APEC Leaders Silent on South China Sea

The attacks on civilians in Paris by the Islamic State have rallied world leaders to cooperate on combatting terrorism. Such coordination could ease tensions in other areas or distract attention. At the summit for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, held in Manila, 21 leaders urged cooperation on fighting terrorism and improving economic growth. “On the sensitive matter of the South China Sea, the joint statement made no mention of the regional disputes widely seen to be endangering Asia-Pacific stability,” reports Trefor Moss for the Wall Street Journal. The Philippines and China have competing claims in the South China Sea as do Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Most he leaders will attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit and East Asia Summit. Moss reports that in October ASEAN defense ministers failed to reach a common position on the South China Sea disputes. Quick settlement of claims could allow nations to focus on pressing issues including trade, climate change and terrorism. – YaleGlobal