THE focus may be on China’s regional economic integration push, but other global issues, such as the threats posed by the Ebola virus and extremist group Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), will also feature in talks among Apec leaders, said analysts.

“Apec involves 21 countries, most major powers, and is a rare chance for face-time between so many world leaders, so it has become an important arena for global discussion and action on cross-country crises like Ebola,” said Zhejiang Normal University’s African Studies director Liu Hongwu.

Besides the leaders’ meetings, there will also be bilateral talks on the sidelines, such as those between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his United States counterpart Barack Obama, and between Mr Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“It’s a good place to restore international momentum on certain issues, but Beijing will be reluctant to let any other topic overshadow its agenda on the free trade agreement for the Asia-Pacific,” said S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies analyst Hoo Tiang Boon.