As much of the world continues to emerge from the worst of the pandemic, in-person meetings are increasing. That includes some international gatherings — many of which include Asian nations.
This will be a busy weekend when it comes to meetings of international leaders — including the start of the United Nations climate change summit in Glasgow, Scotland.
First up is the Group of 20 summit in Rome — an annual meeting of the richest nations that together comprise more than 80% of the world’s economic output — along with nearly two-thirds of the global population.
Asia Pacific members of G-20 include Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea, as well as the United States.
While Russia is historically linked with Europe, it does have a stretch of coastline on the northern Pacific and shares land borders with Asian countries from China to North Korea and a disputed maritime border with Japan.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending either event in person — and neither will Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has not left China since January 2020.
Closer to the region itself, the Association of Southeast Asian nations just wrapped up a virtual version of its annual leaders' meeting.
As for smaller gatherings, the biggest question focuses on President Biden and Chinese President Xi.
U.S. and Chinese officials both say they are working on putting together a virtual summit between the two leaders before the end of the year.
