APEC could become vulnerable to domination by strong member states if it becomes an institutionalised body, a mainland scholar has warned.
At the Chinese University of Hong Kong yesterday, Dr Lu Jianren , Secretary-General of the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation Policy Research Centre of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said China preferred maintaining the status quo and decisions adopted at the conference would remain non-binding on member states.
China could only accept institutionalisation on a small scale such as the setting up of a secretariat and special committees or working groups.
But APEC would face the risk of domination by some economically powerful member states such as the United States, if further institutionalisation took place, he said.
Dr Lu said APEC should remain an economic organisation to promote co-operation in the region as was stated in the objective adopted in its inaugural meeting.
It should avoid political and security agendas as favoured by countries like the US, Dr Lu said.
