Protesters will demonstrate against world leaders, Israel-Hamas war as APEC comes to San Francisco

Demonstrators are set to rally against global leaders and issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco. Activists, united in their criticism of corporate greed, environmental damage, labor injustices, and the Middle East conflict, are organizing a march in the city’s center this Sunday. These protests coincide with a major international conference that will see President Joe Biden and representatives from approximately 22 countries in attendance.

The week-long APEC leaders’ summit is expected to attract over 20,000 participants, including a significant number of global journalists. A coalition opposing APEC, comprising over 100 grassroots organizations, criticizes the summit for fostering trade agreements that they argue exploit workers and their families.

High-security measures at the Moscone Center and other summit venues mean that world leaders are unlikely to see the protests. However, Suzanne Ali, a member of the Palestinian Youth Movement, emphasizes the importance of holding the U.S. accountable for providing arms to Israel in its conflict with Hamas.

San Francisco is known for its robust history of activism, particularly during significant trade discussions. The city’s commitment to protest was evident during the 1999 World Trade Organization conference in Seattle, which saw massive demonstrations. Similar instances of protest occurred during APEC summits in Chile and Thailand, with the latter witnessing clashes between pro-democracy demonstrators and the police.

San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott anticipates multiple daily protests during the summit, cautioning against violence or property damage. The city, while supportive of constitutional rights, will enforce the law against criminal actions.

The APEC forum, established in 1989, includes 21 member nations, notably the U.S. and China. The summit also features a CEO summit, which is facing its own set of planned protests. A key event is the anticipated meeting between President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China often implements stringent security measures to prevent demonstrations, including increased border and transit point checks, and preemptive police warnings to human rights activists.

Experts like Rory McVeigh, a sociology professor, note that while many protests may not have an immediate impact, they are crucial for public opinion and can occasionally lead to significant change. Various groups, including the United Vietnamese American Community of Northern California and the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines, are planning protests against leaders like Xi Jinping and Philippine President Bongbong Marcos.

Critics express disappointment that San Francisco, a city known for its working-class advocacy, is hosting a summit attended by leaders and CEOs accused of exploiting current global crises.

This report includes contributions from Huizhong Wu in Bangkok.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about APEC Summit Protests

More about APEC Summit Protests

• Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
• San Francisco Protest History
• No to APEC Coalition
• San Francisco Police Department’s Approach
• Biden-Xi Jinping Meeting
• APEC Summits and Protests
• Global Trade Issues and Protests