In an effort to ensure the safety and security of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, San Francisco has erected barricades and fencing around the Moscone Center, where world leaders, including President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, are scheduled to meet this week. However, the decision to install these temporary barriers has faced criticism and sparked controversy on social media.
Photos and videos circulating online show black metal fences lining the streets of downtown San Francisco, raising concerns about the city’s treatment of its homeless population. The account End Wokeness pointed out that San Francisco’s homeless population seemed to have been cleared out to accommodate the summit, leading to accusations that the government prioritized impressing Xi Jinping over addressing the issue of homelessness.
Critics argue that U.S. taxpayers’ money is being used to protect a communist dictator and suppress the voices of the American public. Jennifer Zeng, an influential user on the platform X, accused the APEC center of placing the barricades in advance to prevent protests or any close interactions with the Chinese leader’s motorcade.
While San Francisco officials have been making efforts to clear homeless encampments in preparation for the summit, this move has been viewed as hypocritical by some. Previously, Democratic figures such as Rep. Nancy Pelosi and California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized walls as immoral and unnecessary in relation to former President Trump’s border initiative. The erection of barricades for APEC has brought the issue of walls and borders back into the spotlight, becoming a divisive topic for the Biden administration.
The decision to prioritize the security of the APEC summit has sparked debates about the city’s values and priorities. Critics argue that San Francisco, a city known for its liberal ideals, is now seemingly prioritizing the interests of foreign leaders over the well-being of its own residents. The account Asians Against Wokeness claimed that “woke liberals fear/respect Xi Daddy more than their fellow Americans,” highlighting the perceived contradiction between progressive values and the city’s actions.
Responding to the controversy, San Francisco Mayor London Breed emphasized the economic benefits of hosting the APEC summit. She stated that the event is projected to bring over $50 million in economic impact to the city, supporting local businesses, generating tax revenue, and funding essential services.
The upcoming meeting between President Biden and President Xi is expected to address various issues in the U.S.-PRC bilateral relationship, as well as regional and global challenges. The White House stated that the leaders will discuss how to responsibly manage competition and work together on common interests.
As the APEC summit approaches, the tensions surrounding the erection of barricades in San Francisco continue to escalate. The controversy reflects larger debates about the city’s priorities, the treatment of its homeless population, and the implications of hosting international events amidst ongoing global conflicts.
