Navigating a difficult global landscape, China has remained committed to its regional development goals, focusing on the integration of sustainable technologies and digital advancements, Kasemsit, a member of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), said in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua.
“China has been a very dedicated and consistent player in whatever they said they would do, and they have been on track,” he said.
From electric vehicles to renewable energy solutions, Kasemsit noted that China’s production and export capacity have enabled cost-effective access to technology, especially in sustainable sectors, essential for emerging economies striving to achieve their environmental targets.
Underscoring the importance of collaborative platforms in addressing common challenges ranging from digital transformation to food security and climate change, Kasemsit praised China’s vision for an Asia-Pacific Community with a Shared Future and highlighted the need for deeper cooperation among the 21 APEC member economies.
“China’s vision of a shared future is more pertinent than ever. We need more platforms to bring people together and discuss different issues that everyone is facing at the same time, so there is no point closing doors and trying to do away with organizations or groupings like APEC,” Kasemsit said.
As APEC heads into the 2024 summit hosted by Peru, Kasemsit expressed optimism about the continuation of inclusive and sustainable themes introduced in previous years while calling for a renewed focus on long-term collaboration, particularly in areas such as climate change, digital transformation and sustainable agriculture.
With steady commitment and collaboration, APEC will continue to advance economic integration, technological adoption and sustainable growth, he said.
APEC gatherings, renowned for blending economic discussions with cultural exchanges, often feature leaders donning local attire for the iconic “family photo.” This no-tie tradition is seen as a way to cut down on the formality that high-level meetings usually involve.
In these meetings, Xi’s remarks showcase not only his eloquence but also his wit, vividly conveying his vision for Asia-Pacific cooperation. Over the years, his incisive words and catchphrases have offered fresh perspectives on advancing regional growth and fostering deeper collaboration among APEC members.
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During the 2016 APEC gathering, also held in Lima, Xi used an analogy to describe the relationship between China and the wider Asia-Pacific region, comparing it to sweet potatoes, a food native to Latin America.
He explained that while the vines of sweet potatoes may stretch in all directions, they all grow out of their roots. “Similarly, no matter what level of development it may reach, China, with its roots in the Asia-Pacific, will always contribute to the region’s development and prosperity.”
That metaphor holds even truer today. Since joining APEC in 1991, China has become a key trading partner and export market for the majority of APEC members. According to China Customs, China’s trade with APEC economies reached a historic high, surpassing 21 trillion yuan (about 2.92 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first 10 months of 2024, marking a 5.7 percent increase from the previous year and accounting for 59.1 percent of China’s total trade.
In its efforts to promote free and open trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific and beyond, China has reduced its overall tariff level to 7.3 percent.
“China cannot develop in isolation from the Asia-Pacific while the Asia-Pacific cannot prosper without China,” the Chinese leader made these remarks when he debuted at the APEC stage in Bali, Indonesia, in 2013, highlighting the interconnected growth of the region.
Connectivity stands out as one key theme of Xi’s vision for Asia-Pacific development. He once invoked a concept from traditional Chinese medicine to illustrate APEC cooperation: when there is free flow, there is no pain; when there is pain, there is no free flow. “Connectivity makes the economic arteries of the Asia-Pacific flow more smoothly,” he explained.
During his 2013 trip to Indonesia, Xi proposed the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, a pivotal component of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and proposed plans for establishing the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to support the BRI.
To date, more than half of APEC’s 21 economies have engaged in Belt and Road cooperation, with signature projects like the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Indonesia and Chancay Port in Peru aiming to help strengthen trade networks and drive growth across the region.
“President Xi has put forward a series of proposals and initiatives to enhance Asia-Pacific regional cooperation, and the BRI is a major one to promote regional comprehensive connectivity,” said Liu Chenyang, director of the APEC study center at Tianjin-based Nankai University.
“These efforts led by President Xi have also shown the world China’s determination to take root in the Asia-Pacific and benefit the region in the long run,” Liu said.
“A LONE GOOSE CANNOT MAKE A FORMATION”
While hosting the 2014 APEC meeting by Yanqi Lake in Beijing’s northern suburbs, Xi compared the 21 APEC economies to 21 swan geese.
The lake got its beautiful Chinese name because the migrant swan geese would flock there for rest each spring and autumn. In Chinese culture, swan geese symbolize faithfulness, resilience, and determination, flying in unison toward a shared destination despite great distances.
“We are meeting here at Yanqi Lake to enhance cooperation and embark on a new flight to shape a new vision for the development of the Asia-Pacific region,” he said. “A lone goose cannot make a formation.”
As a steadfast champion for unity, Xi called on APEC economies to stay committed to mutually beneficial cooperation and fully leverage each other’s strengths to promote development for all. “We should replace the ‘winner-take-all’ mentality with an all-win approach and work together for great development and prosperity of our region,” he noted.
Founded in 1989, APEC was designed to foster economic growth and facilitate free trade and investment across the Asia-Pacific region. Throughout the years, thanks to the joint efforts of its members, the Asia-Pacific region has served as a vital engine of the world economy, driving what Xi has called “the Asia-Pacific miracle.” The latest IMF data show the region contributes approximately 60 percent to global economic growth.
The APEC economies, covering several continents and home to one-third of the world’s population, vary significantly in their development paths and economic conditions. Acknowledging the differences and divergences among those in the region, Xi emphasized, “Those who cherish the same ideals and follow the same path can be partners, and so can those who seek common ground while reserving differences.”
In 2014, under Xi’s chairmanship, APEC economies endorsed a roadmap to advance the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), initially proposed in 2006 in Hanoi, Vietnam. This endorsement was widely viewed as a milestone, marking the official start of efforts to transform a broad vision into concrete actions aimed at elevating Asia-Pacific regional economic integration to a new level.
Sharing Xi’s vision, Montri Mahaplerkpong, executive board member of the Federation of Thai Industries, said, “Adhering to the objective of driving APEC together, whether in big, small or medium-sized economies, we have plenty of room in this world to move the economy forward together, as long as we have the will to make it better.”
“I believe all 21 APEC member economies could do hand-in-hand collaboration by seeking common ground while shelving differences,” said Montri.
{{IN SAME BOAT}}
“I was looking at the vast ocean when I boarded the ship, and it struck me that we are all indeed fellow passengers in the same boat,” Xi said while addressing the 2018 APEC CEO Summit hosted at a distinctive setting — onboard the giant cruise Pacific Explorer in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
“As we brave the rough waters of the global economy and confront the many risks and challenges, it is all too befitting that we have come together on this ship to chart the course for future development and cooperation,” he noted.
APEC has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, from trade frictions to geopolitical tensions. Against this backdrop, Xi has consistently championed genuine multilateralism and warned against antagonism and confrontation. “The Asia-Pacific is no one’s backyard and should not become an arena for big power contest,” he emphasized in the 2022 Bangkok meeting.
During the 30th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting held in San Francisco last year, Xi posed a critical question: “Where will Asia-Pacific cooperation be headed in the next 30 years?” And he has provided an answer with Chinese insights — build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future.
“Community” has always been the keyword of Xi’s foreign policy. At his APEC debut in 2013, Xi urged member economies to strengthen “the sense of community of common destiny.” Five years later in Port Moresby, he advocated for jointly building “a community with a shared future in the Asia-Pacific” to address common challenges.
In 2020, as the world grappled with the pandemic and its economic fallout, Xi, while attending the annual APEC gathering via video link, elaborated on his vision to build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future featuring openness and inclusiveness, innovation-driven growth, greater connectivity, and mutually beneficial cooperation.
The 2020 meeting saw APEC members adopt the Putrajaya Vision 2040 as the guiding framework for future work, calling for the creation of an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community.
As Xi prepares to join other Asia-Pacific leaders for discussions under the theme of “Empower. Include. Grow,” observers have set their expectations for the upcoming meeting in Lima.
“The role of APEC in facilitating dialogue among political and economic leaders is more crucial than ever at this time of growing protectionism and economic decoupling,” said Hans Hendrischke, professor of Chinese business and management at the University of Sydney Business School.
China has always been active in pushing emerging market economies and developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region to realize more efficient development, said Dora Isabel Gonzalez, a researcher at the Faculty of Higher Studies of the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Acatlan.
“I believe President Xi’s trip to Peru will strongly promote economic, trade and investment cooperation and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region and even globally,” said Gonzalez.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in Charge of Operations, CP Vincent Sano, presided over the pass-out of the 14th intake.
The PTCC was designed to expand the tactical command that shapes leadership, strengthens decision-making abilities and reinforces the importance of teamwork and communication.
DIGP Sano said that the skills acquired are essential for training environments and in real-world scenarios where the stakes are high but with a thin margin for errors.
“The complexities of modern law enforcement demand a continual enhancement of skills, knowledge and strategies. You have all demonstrated a profound understanding of these demands,” DIGP Sano said.
He reminded them that leadership in a tactical setting is more than just making decisions. “It’s about understanding the terrain, knowing your team, adapting to changing conditions, and having the foresight to anticipate what lies ahead; it’s all about accountability, both to those you lead and to the mission at hand.”
He urged the trainees to always remember the Rwanda National Police (RNP) core values of ‘Service, Protection and Integrity’ as principles that will guide them through most challenging situations, and to remain a pillar of trust.
The five-month course covered key aspects related to communication, special operations, routine and operational staff work, policing strategies, laws, crime investigation, and leadership, command and management, among others.
The Commandant of PTS, Commissioners of Police (CP) Robert Niyonshuti, said that course participants engaged in Command Post and Field Training Exercises, including tutorial and final exercises.
They also visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Museum for the Campaign against Genocide.
“These visits were a powerful reminder of the role police officers play in protecting human rights, promoting justice, and fostering social harmony,” CP Niyonshuti said.
The agreement was formalized on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in Warsaw.
Rwanda was represented by ambassador to the country, Prof. Anastase Shyaka at the signing ceremony while Poland was represented by Lasek Maciej, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure and the government’s plenipotentiary for the aviation sector.
Lasek described the agreement as a milestone that strengthens ties between the two nations.
“I am convinced that direct connections between Poland and Rwanda will contribute to increased trade, tourism, and stronger bonds between our nations.”
Prof. Shyaka, speaking to IGIHE, highlighted that the agreement will significantly enhance economic and tourism cooperation.
He emphasized that it lays the groundwork for RwandAir and Polish national carrier to establish partnerships, facilitating travel not only between Poland and Rwanda but also with neighboring European countries.
{{Unlimited opportunities}}
The agreement grants airlines from both countries the freedom to operate an unlimited number of passenger and cargo flights.
This initiative aligns with a broader strategy to develop an air network connecting Europe and Africa.
Establishing this direct flight connection marks a significant step forward in strengthening Poland-Rwanda relations and engaging both countries in a path toward sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Living in Musanze, Noordman felt inspired in 2020 to make a lasting impact on the community. That year, he founded Susa Gardens, an eco-friendly hotel in the Muhoza sector of Northern Rwanda. The hotel, unique for growing its own food, marked the start of Noordman’s vision for creating positive change.
But Susa Gardens was only the beginning. Noordman soon launched a non-governmental organization to support vulnerable children, particularly those who had dropped out of school.
Musanze, as a 2020/2021 Senate report highlighted, ranked among the top six districts in Rwanda with high dropout rates. Seeing children out of school and on the streets moved Noordman deeply.
When he opened Susa Gardens, Noordman had started sponsoring a few children’s education.
Over the next three years, he expanded his mission by founding the Back to School (BTS) nonprofit organization. BTS’s mission is clear: to help children return to school and support those from low-income families. Today, BTS aids 164 children, many of whom had previously dropped out of school.
BTS’s support goes beyond paying school fees; the organization provides children with school supplies, uniforms, and daily meals, while their parents receive assistance through income-generating projects to help improve their financial stability.
“When children have meals and supplies, they can focus on learning without anxiety. Many of our students excel academically, with several topping their primary school exams this year,” explains Jean de Dieu Twizerimana, who co-founded BTS with Noordman.
The organization’s work involves regular academic monitoring. “Each term, we check their grades, visit their schools weekly, and help resolve any issues with the parents,” Twizerimana added.
{{A hotel with a purpose}}
Beyond serving as an eco-friendly hotel, Susa Gardens channels its revenue into supporting BTS.
“The revenue from Susa Gardens helps us support the children, though it’s not enough for everyone who needs help. There are children who pass exams but cannot afford to attend boarding schools, hence continuing studies under the Nine Years Basic Education program,” noted Twizerimana.
The founders aim to expand their efforts into other districts to reduce Rwanda’s dropout rates.
According to the Ministry of Education, Rwanda’s primary school dropout rate was 9.5% in 2019/20, decreasing to 7.1% in 2020/21. Yet, the dropout rate remains a pressing issue.
Gédéon Ntamugabumwe, a father of seven in Muhoza, is one of the parents BTS has supported. After his wife’s passing in January 2023, he struggled to provide for his children alone. BTS’s support, especially for his sixth-grade child, relieved some of his burdens.
“When children are helped, their parents are helped too. Now, instead of paying Frw10,000 for school supplies, I can use that money to support other kids.”
Parents like Ntamugabumwe are also organized into savings groups, where they are encouraged to save within their means and receive guidance on small businesses. “If I start selling eggs, it becomes easier to have money for monthly expenses. Even if it’s small, it helps you buy seeds or farm supplies,” Ntamugabumwe shared.
Twizerimana emphasized that they continue to seek additional sponsors to expand their work so that more children can return to school and build brighter futures.
In a statement released on Wednesday, November 13, the RDF said, “Rwanda Defence Force deeply regrets the tragic incident that occurred in a bar in Rusharara Cell, Karambi Sector of Nyamasheke District, where Sgt Minani Gervais (39 years), allegedly fatally shot five civilians in the early morning hours of 13 November 2024.”
Reports indicate that after the soldier ordered a drink, he attempted to pay the bar owner via Mobile Money. However, the owner refused, insisting on cash payment.
Following an argument reportedly involving many local residents, Sgt. Minani was permitted to go to the military camp to bring cash. He returned in his military uniform, carrying a gun, and allegedly opened fire on the people present.
The RDF also confirmed that the suspect has been arrested and assured the public of necessary legal action against him.
The send-off ceremony in honor of the Commissioners, Senior, Junior and other ranks, held at the RNP General Headquarters in Kacyiru, was presided over by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Vincent Biruta.
Minister Biruta thanked the retirees for their contribution to national security and development.
“Rwandans thank you for what you have done for the country; “You played a crucial role in building a safer Rwanda that we all enjoy today, and Rwandans thank your sacrifice,” Minister Biruta said.
As they join other Rwandans in their communities, he urged them to continue to set an example, work with them, support local leaders and security organs to sustain what has been achieved.
Minister Biruta took time to also thank their families for their patience, bearing the nature of their work and covering the vacuum in their absence.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) CP Felix Namuhoranye commended the retirees for serving and retiring with respect and integrity.
“You served with a patriotic spirit, sacrificed for the betterment of your country and worked tirelessly to make our it secure and have lasting peace. Your exemplary service and values will always be remembered,” IGP Namuhoranye said.
“You are retiring but you are not tired; the country still needs you in other national duties, and we will continue to work together as always,” he added.
As they start a new life outside active service, IGP Namuhoranye urged them to maintain the patriotic character and dedication they exhibited throughout their service, and to continue to be agents of change wherever they will be.
He also thanked officers, who retired before, for their continued contribution to Rwanda’s development.
Retired Commissioner of Police (CP) Denis Basabose, who spoke on behalf of the retirees, said that this is a great day in their life.
“We are happy and proud of the value and honor we have been given as we start a new chapter outside active service. We thank President Paul Kagame for giving us an opportunity to serve our country,” CP (Rtd) Basabose said.
He pledged commitment to continue striving for a peaceful and safe country, and that they will always be ready to serve in other duties whenever called or required.
The pressure on Welby intensified last week, especially after he initially declined to take full responsibility for not reporting the abuses in both England and Africa back in 2013.
This reluctance fueled public frustration, highlighting concerns over a perceived lack of accountability within the church. By Tuesday, Welby acknowledged his role in the delays.
“It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatizing period between 2013 and 2024,” Welby said in the statement.
“I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honored to serve,” he added.
Welby’s departure is expected to impact the Anglican Communion globally. While each national branch has its own leadership, the Archbishop of Canterbury is seen as the senior figure among equals in the 85-million-strong global community, which includes the U.S.-based Episcopal Church.
Before this controversy, Welby was already a polarizing figure. A former oil executive turned priest, he became known for his mediation efforts in conflict zones such as Nigeria. Despite his skills in diplomacy, he faced challenges in uniting the Anglican Communion, which has clashed internally over issues like LGBTQ+ rights and women’s roles in church leadership.
The recent resignation follows a damning report by the Makin Review, commissioned by the Church of England to investigate abuse allegations against John Smyth, a prominent lawyer.
Smyth, who died in 2018, was accused of physically, sexually, and psychologically abusing approximately 30 young men and boys in the U.K. and over 80 in Africa from the 1970s onward.
The 251-page report concluded that Welby did not report Smyth to authorities when he was informed in August 2013, shortly after becoming Archbishop. The report suggested that earlier reporting could have prevented further harm to victims.
Welby explained that he had been misinformed about police involvement and, though regretful, accepted responsibility for not ensuring the investigation was pursued as “energetically” as it should have been.
Just a day before his resignation, Welby’s office stated he had chosen to remain in his position, even as he expressed horror over the extent of Smyth’s abuses.
Some church members, including Newcastle’s Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley, deemed his continued leadership “untenable.” Additionally, a petition calling for Welby’s resignation began circulating among members of the General Synod, the national assembly of the Church of England.
The most vocal calls for his resignation came from Smyth’s victims, with Andrew Morse, one of those abused, suggesting that Welby’s stepping down could help begin the process of healing the damage caused by the church’s broader mishandling of historical abuse cases.
This resignation adds to ongoing scrutiny of the Church of England’s historical response to sexual abuse within its ranks.
