APEC leaders condemn terrorism; no stand on West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines - The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit here ended on Thursday as the 21 heads of economies condemned global terrorism while keeping silent on sea disputes that threaten regional stability.

After the APEC leaders' retreat at the Philippine International Convention Center, the heads of state issued a declaration that laid out their new commitments on regional issues.

However, there was no mention of the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea dispute, which critics believe is essential to the economic stability of the Asia-Pacific region.

"Our enduring commitment will underwrite the peace, stability, development, and common prosperity of the Asia-Pacific," the leaders said in their declaration.

The governments of the Philippines and China had said that the sea dispute was not part of the APEC summit agenda in Manila.

The two countries are among the APEC members that have conflicting claims to the South China Sea, where a huge percentage of global trade passes.

China is also locked in another maritime dispute with fellow APEC power Japan over the East China Sea.

In their declaration, the APEC leaders denounced terrorism and vowed united efforts to combat its root causes following the recent terror attacks including that in Paris that killed more than 100 people.

"Under the shadow cast by the terrorist attacks in Paris, Beirut, and against Russian aircraft over the Sinai, and elsewhere, we strongly condemn all acts, methods and practices of terrorism in all their forms and manifestations," the leaders said.

"We will not allow terrorism to threaten the fundamental values that underpin our free and open economies," they added.

The leaders' declaration said "economic growth, prosperity and opportunity are among the most powerful tools to address the root causes of terrorism and radicalization."

"We stress the urgent need for increased international cooperation and solidarity in the fight against terrorism," they said.

The APEC leaders said they are mindful that millions in the Asia-Pacific still endure poverty despite the unprecedented economic growth in the region.

The heads of state also called for more intensive efforts for poverty reduction and alleviation.

"We also acknowledge that inequality acts as a brake on economic growth and that reducing it is essential to spurring development and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific," the leaders said.