Apec 2021: Geopolitical tensions colour Apec retreat – NZ Herald

OPINION: It’s hardly surprising that Jacinda Ardern could “hand on heart” declare that tensions between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping weren’t present at her informal Apec retreat early on Saturday morning - as the Chinese president hadn’t even been in the virtual meeting. Xi sidestepped the retreat. His officials played a video address instead. For this columnist sitting in on the 2am press conference, it was a surreal experience. As the Prime Minister was assuring journalists that there had been no tension between the two rival superpowers, it was fast becoming obvious (from live Twitter feeds sourced from Chinese media),…