APEC summit ends in disarray, as US-China divide deepens

14 Sept 02:49 Key points summarised by AI

The APEC summit in Papua New Guinea concluded without a joint communique for the first time in its history, primarily due to deep divisions between the United States and China.
The core disagreement centered on whether to include mentions of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its potential reform in the Leaders' Declaration, with both major powers holding opposing views.
The summit underscored intensified US-China competition in the Pacific, as the US and its allies launched a $1.7 billion infrastructure plan to counter China's expansive Belt and Road initiative.
US Vice President Mike Pence sharply criticized China's trade practices and its Belt and Road projects, while Chinese President Xi Jinping promoted his vision, highlighting the growing economic and ideological rift.

Uthenthawai students and alumni declare truce with Pathumwan rivals

Yesterday 20:34 Key points summarised by AI

Uthenthawai students and alumni have pledged to cease violent clashes with Pathumwan Institute rivals, coinciding with their campus's reopening after a 90-day closure.
The Minister of Higher Education is mediating the long-running conflict, while the campus closure has significantly disrupted in-person classes and laboratory work for over 1,000 students.
Uthenthawai resists relocation from its current site, citing a historical land grant from King Rama VI, despite Chulalongkorn University's plans to reclaim the land for an educational hub.
Concerns are mounting over the legality of the campus closure, its detrimental impact on uninvolved students, and the potential commercial development of the land, which critics argue contradicts the late King Rama VI's intentions.