This time around, the four countries are navigating through more turbulent(disturbed) waters.
The global pandemic and the faltering(weakening) global economy are taking a toll on the region’s growth and prosperity.
The two major Pacific powers (China and America), are moving into a more adversarial phase of their relationship.
Public opinion about China in all four countries is different from what it used to be in 2007.
The fact of the meeting itself will signal to China that assertive or aggressive behaviour is not going to derail this mechanism.
The forthcoming Ministerial meeting will be an opportunity to define the idea and chart a future path.
Needless provocation of China should be avoided. There is no gain in actions that anger the Chinese with no commensurate(in proportion) benefit to the others.
