MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III formally welcomed leaders of member-economies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation on Wednesday night, November 18. 

Before the welcome dinner at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Aquino expressed his hope that the APEC would shape a better “future.”

Aquino then led the toast for “stability” in the Asia-Pacific region, even as countries, which have stakes in the maritime disputes, were present.

“To the stability and progress of the Asia-Pacific; to the friendship and partnerships that are bringing our economies closer as we work to solve our common problems; and to the future that we are shaping through APEC, one in which opportunities abound; a future in which no one is left behind,” Aquino said before the welcome dinner.

Aquino invited leaders to be his “friend,” citing the Filipino custom of sharing meals with friends and families alike.

“This is an invitation not only to share whatever food is on the plate, but also and more importantly, an invitation to be a friend. Here in the Philippines, a meal is always seen as a joyful occasion, no matter how simple the fare. More than the food, it is about the bond that is formed, the sharing that takes place, and the communication between friends. Is this not the spirit that animates all our discussions?” Aquino said in his speech.

“Whether we have large or small economies, all of us sit at the same table and engage in fellowship for the advancement of all our peoples. In this manner, we demonstrate that an inclusive Asia-Pacific is doing its part to achieve a more inclusive world,” Aquino said, with a reference to this year’s APEC theme “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World.”

Among those present who have stakes in the South China Sea were United States President Barack Obama, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou, and Brunei Prime Minister Hassanal Bolkiah.

China is claiming most if not all of the disputed waters and territories, as it conducts reclamation in the South China Sea.

In October, a US warship sailed in the contested waters, a move that was warmly welcomed by other claimant countries but strongly opposed by Beijing.

As other leaders of APEC member-economies took the opportunity during the summit to express their concerns over China’s activities in the disputed waters, Xi has so far remained mum on the issue. – Rappler.com