Digital shift, regional cooperation to be key topics for China at APEC summit: economist

Columbia University Professor and economist Jeffery Sachs said he expects the building of modernized linkages to top the agenda for China at this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings, set to be held in Lima, Peru from Nov 15 to 16.

Sachs told China Global Television (CGTN) that China's leg up in digitalization and modern communication infrastructure will lend the country leverage as a sharer of technologies.

"The digital revolution is very dramatic. China is already at not 5G, but 5.5G, because the network is 10 times faster than it was even when 5G was introduced a few years ago. And soon China will be leading 6G. Now, other countries want the technological advancement of the digital age as well," he said.

Noting the immense significance of the Belt and Road Initiative, Sachs pointed out that the global connectivity it is building is vital for both China and its many partners in the initiative.

"It's the idea that countries should invest jointly in connectivity, building new ports, building new fast rail lines, building transport linkages, building fiber linkages, building renewable energy linkages. So, when the leaders meet, they should talk about these real things. Those don't depend on the United States. So, you can still have the very important regional discussions," he said.

The economist also suggested that the summit is an opportunity to grow China's partnerships with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Latin America, all benefiting from tech innovation and big markets.

"For example, China's relationship with ASEAN is extremely important for both regions I should say. ASEAN needs China, it needs the technology, it needs the connectivity, it needs the advancement, it needs the investment. For China, ASEAN is a natural, huge market of more than 750 million people. That should be discussed," said Sachs.

"The relationships between China and Latin America are very strong. China is the main trading partner of the Latin American members of APEC. This is surprising. It's not the United States. It's China that's the main trading partner. China buys a lot of food grain and feed grain from Latin America, a lot of natural resources. China is a provider of advanced technologies. So that's a very fruitful relationship, very important," he continued.

Held from Nov. 10 to Nov. 16 under the theme of "Empower, Include, Grow" in Lima, Peru, APEC brings together around 20,000 participants, including heads of state and dignitaries from 21 member economies across Asia, the Pacific, North America, and South America.

Digital shift, regional cooperation to be key topics for China at APEC summit: economist

Displaced Palestinians in Egypt marked Eid al-Fitr, a celebration traditionally filled with family gatherings, with profound sorrow over their separation from loved ones in the Gaza Strip.

Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of the Muslim holy month of fasting (Ramadan) and the beginning of the new month in the lunar calendar. It is typically a time for joyous family reunions across the Muslim world.

However, thousands of displaced Palestinians in Egypt spent Eid al-Fitr without the embrace of family this year.

Naema Alsoury, one of the many Palestinians who fled the war in Gaza seeking medical treatment in Egypt, reflected on the painful reality of her situation.

Her young son, who has suffered from eye cancer since he was four months old, requires constant care. As a mother of five, Naema Alsoury managed to bring four of her children to Egypt, while her eldest son and husband remained behind in Gaza.

"Eid al-Fitr in Egypt is beautiful but only for those with a clear mind. I woke up happy that the kids are excited to celebrate Eid. But as I saw cars with families going for the prayer-- husbands and wives together and families, I thought I can't hug my son or husband. I can't be truly happy during Eid. This is my third Eid here without my mother, my sister and my brothers. What Eid al-Fitr is that? I live in fear, because no one knows the fate of those in Gaza -- who will live and who will die," said Naema Alsoury.

Recently, one of Naema Alsoury's uncles, along with some other family members, managed to reach Egypt for medical treatment. Her nephew spoke of the stark differences in living conditions between Egypt and Gaza.

"My nephew pointed out to me the differences between Egypt and Gaza. I may have not paid attention to that. I was talking to them via video call. He told his mother, they have electricity. Their TV is on. They can charge their mobile phone anytime. We can go to the toilet any time and there is always water there. We don't have that in Gaza now," said Naema Alsoury.

Egyptians across many cities have used the annual Eid al-Fitr Prayer gathering to support Palestinians in the besieged enclave.

"Eid this year and the year before has been different because we are very sad about what's happening to our Palestinian Brothers, that they are getting forced to leave their land. They are facing injustice. As Egyptians we support our President's calls to reject displacement, they are our Arab brothers. We support them," said Islam El Hawary, an Egyptian citizen.

Displaced Palestinians in Egypt mark Eid al-Fitr amid heartache, separation from family