APEC Summit Kicks Off in San Francisco
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit kicks into high gear today in San Francisco, marking the beginning of the conference. The international event is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors, including President Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping, corporate executives, foreign dignitaries, and protesters.
While some high-profile attendees will not arrive until Wednesday, downtown San Francisco and transportation networks in the region are already experiencing significant impacts. The Bay Bridge has lane closures which have caused traffic to back up to Richmond during Tuesday morning’s commute. Protests are expected both small and large throughout the week.
President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping plan to meet at the popular Filoli estate on the Peninsula. President Biden was greeted by the Governor, First Partner, Mayor, and a Representative after arriving at SFO. Vice President Kamala Harris arrived at SFO around 12:50 pm and was greeted by the Mayor.
After the APEC conference, a group of Iowa farmers who once hosted President Xi Jinping have been invited to a dinner attended by the Chinese leader. Protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict are also taking place, reflecting sentiments back home as well.
A group of Czech journalists met with Mayor London Breed after being robbed in San Francisco. Additionally, a peace vigil expressing concern over the Israel-Hamas war took place outside the federal office building in Civic Center. Rainfall in the Bay Area seems to be lighter than expected. Pop superstar Gwen Stefani is set to perform at the exclusive welcome reception for APEC leaders hosted by President Biden. Traffic on the Bay Bridge has eased up significantly after earlier congestion. As the APEC summit progresses, attention is on a letter sent to Congressional leaders urging them to address the country’s fentanyl crisis.
The off-ramps at 4th Street and 5th Street have closed, and Chinese President Xi Jinping is on his way to San Francisco. A plane carrying a political message is circling the skies above the Moscone Center, as President Biden and leaders from other countries around the world arrive for the conference.
