Manila (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Large protests are taking place in Manila on the first day of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
Police have used water cannons and batons against hundreds of protesters in order to stop them from reaching the site of the conference where heads of state and government are meeting.
Although tensions are still running high in streets in the Filipino capital, so far no serious incident has been reported nor have the authorities used excessive force.
Indigenous protesters, student groups and trade unionist clashed with police, pledging to meet again in Manila Bay, where the second and last day of the summit is scheduled to take place.
The anti-globalisation protesters want to see APEC dismantled because they believe it favours the richest members at the expense of the poorest, like the Philippines itself.
Filipino bishops have already addressed the issue, calling on APEC members to "give the economy a human face".
Protesters loudly expressed their disapproval by shouting ‘Down with APEC, down with America, a clear reference to Washington and its neo-colonial policy in the region.
Concerned about protests, the Filipino government has deployed tens of thousands of police and soldiers to hold back protesters. Thus far, no serious injuries have been reported as a result of clashes.
During the summit, APEC leaders are expected to discuss climate change, the economy and regional trade. However, terrorism (Paris and Beirut attacks), and maritime disputes in the South China Sea, have overshadowed all else.
Conflicts over maritime boundaries have pitted mainland China against other coastal nations, especially Vietnam and same Philippines, which can count on US support.
APEC leaders also discussed terrorism, focusing on a global action with their minds still on the Paris attacks.
The meeting is expected to end with participants agreeing on a statement strongly condemning all acts of terrors and calling for international cooperation to fight terrorism.