The gathering at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit kicked off Friday in Bangkok, Thailand. Leaders and other officials of 21 countries and territories are there to talk trade and investment.

The guest list includes Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Chinese President Xi Jinping. US Vice President Kamala Harris is there on behalf of President Joe Biden. Russia's leader is also missing. First Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov is attending in his stead.

Thailand's Prime Minister is the chair of the two-day summit. Prayut Chan-o-cha called for APEC members to come together and find common ground.

Prayut said, "It will be a way to bring us toward our goals -- sustainability and climate change -- and bring our APEC effort further toward what we hope to achieve during these urgent times."

China has been strengthening economic ties in the region through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. The free trade agreement came into effect this year with Southeast Asian countries.

Meantime, the United States has been stepping up its efforts there with the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, its attempt to counter China.

Both countries are hoping to expand relations with APEC members even further.

The divisions seen at other summits in Asia this week are top of mind. Many wonder if leaders at the APEC gathering will be able to issue a statement following their discussions. Russia's invasion of Ukraine is the big sticking point.