Protesting Ukraine Invasion... Representatives from US and 4 Other Countries Walk Out as Russia Speaks at APEC Trade Meeting

APEC Trade Ministers' Meeting held on the 21st in Bangkok, Thailand (Photo by APEC website)

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] On the 21st (local time), at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Trade Ministers' Meeting held in Bangkok, Thailand, representatives from five Western countries, including the United States, walked out in protest when it was Russia's turn to speak, condemning the invasion of Ukraine.

According to foreign media on the day, when Maxim Reshetnikov, Russia's Minister of Economic Development, was scheduled to speak, Catherine Tai, the United States Trade Representative (USTR), along with representatives from Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and Australia, left the meeting room together.

The representatives of the five countries reportedly insisted that the final statement to be adopted on the 22nd include language condemning Russia's invasion.

A Thai participant added that they re-entered the meeting room immediately after Minister Reshetnikov finished his remarks.

Chalermsak Sakonwisit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand, who chaired the meeting, said, "Although representatives from some participating countries walked out, the meeting proceeded properly."

During this two-day meeting, participating country representatives will discuss ways to expand trade and investment within the region following the COVID-19 pandemic.

In particular, broad discussions are expected regarding the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), as well as issues such as the food crisis, soaring energy prices, and the resumption of travel.

APEC is the largest economic cooperation organization in the Asia-Pacific region, with 21 member countries including South Korea, the United States, China, Japan, and Russia, and Thailand is the chair country this year.