Thousands of protesters gathered in San Francisco to oppose the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) global trade summit. The protesters criticized APEC's free trade agenda and accused summit sponsors like Amazon and Microsoft of causing environmental harm. They claimed that APEC's promotion of economic prosperity and environmental protection is a facade for exploiting marginalized communities. Various activist groups, including Anakbayan USA and the Chinese Progressive Association, played a significant role in the rally. The protests are expected to continue throughout the week, focusing on the APEC CEO Summit and CEO meetings. San Francisco has implemented security measures for the summit, including barricades and fencing, which has drawn criticism for displacing the homeless population and preventing protests.
Climate activists from Bay Climate Action also rallied outside the Indo-Pacific Economic Forum negotiations in San Francisco, calling for more language about environmental standards in America's trade deals. The activists delivered a petition with over 15,000 signatures to the convention center where the negotiations were taking place. They aimed to send a message that people are ready for bold climate action and to highlight the need for environmental justice and sustainability. The rally was the first of many protest actions expected during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Week.
The activists called for transparency in trade negotiations, global climate justice, and a stop to trade attacks on climate action. They also advocated for the adoption of a Climate Peace Clause to prevent anti-environmental red tape and litigation. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) for Prosperity, launched in May 2022, is the Biden administration's plan to advance US interests in the Asia-Pacific region. The framework focuses on fair and resilient trade, supply chain resilience, supporting clean economies, and combating corruption. The IPEF negotiations involve trade leaders from the US, ASEAN member states, Australia, Fiji, India, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.
The APEC summit, attended by President Joe Biden and leaders from 20 other countries, aims to create a resilient and sustainable future for all. The APEC nations include several Asian and Pacific Islander countries, and activists argue that these countries and their diasporas are disproportionately impacted by trade deals and climate change.
According to an article by El Tecolote, activists opposing the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Week and the related APEC CEO Summit in San Francisco argue that APEC's policies prioritize corporate profits over people's needs, exploit workers, intensify resource extraction, weaken sovereignty, and undermine democracy. The article features interviews with three San Francisco Bay Area activists who have experienced human rights, labor, and climate issues. They share their personal stories and explain why they are involved in the opposition to APEC. The activists highlight the negative impact of APEC on workers' rights, union jobs, and the environment. They also criticize the lack of civil representation in APEC negotiations and the greenwashing of climate change issues. The article mentions the planned mass mobilizations and direct actions by activists to disrupt the APEC meetings. It also addresses concerns about the impact of the summit on vulnerable communities in San Francisco and the efforts to provide support through mutual aid networks.
Filipino communities in the US are also protesting against the presence of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Week in San Francisco. The protests highlight concerns over the future of the Philippines and the impact on Filipino communities worldwide. The protesters criticize the exploitation and abuse of Filipino workers in the name of economic opportunity. They also express their dissatisfaction with the US-Philippines relationship and the consequences of world leaders' dealings at exclusive forums like APEC. The protests focus on issues such as visa problems, wage theft, overwork, trafficking, and Asian hate crimes. The protesters believe that Marcos Jr. will sell out the interests of Indigenous, poor, and working-class Filipinos in exchange for money and military support. They criticize the economic development strategy that centers on foreign investment without a stable base of Philippine industry. The protests also address concerns about the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) trade negotiations and the impact on the Philippines. The article discusses the history of colonization in the Philippines and the exploitation of its resources. It also mentions the role of Filipino overseas workers in the US and their contributions to the Philippine economy through remittances. The protests aim to raise awareness of the economic crisis in the Philippines and the neglect of the state. They call for a more equitable and sustainable future for all Filipinos. [9963783d]