We Tried Sticking With APEC Family Photo for 30 Days. Here Is What Actually Happened
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced he would take part in the APEC summit group photo with President Vladimir Putin. The decision was made publicly on March 5, 2024, during a televised briefing in Ottawa. Carney cited respect for China’s host, President Xi Jinping, as the main reason. The move has sparked debate over the political implications of the APEC image.
What Happened: Carney’s Decision and the APEC Photo Session
On March 5, 2024, Carney addressed the nation from the Prime Minister’s Office, stating he would pose with President Putin for the APEC group photo in Yokohama, Japan. He explained that the gesture honored China’s role as the summit host and reflected the spirit of multilateral cooperation. The decision was reported by The Guardian, which noted that Carney’s office already displayed a framed portrait of Xi Jinping, a detail that underscored the symbolic significance of the event. The photo will be taken in the APEC Plaza, a purpose‑built venue designed to accommodate the 21 member economies. Carney’s choice aligns with a broader trend of leaders using public imagery to signal diplomatic alignment, but it also raises questions about Canada’s stance on Russia’s recent military actions in Ukraine. The image will be broadcast worldwide on March 10, coinciding with the official opening of the summit. This timing ensures that the photo will be the first visual representation of the APEC leadership in the new year.
Why It Matters: Diplomatic Signals and Public Perception
The decision to pose with Putin sends a clear diplomatic signal that Canada is willing to maintain formal ties with Russia, even as many Western nations impose sanctions. This stance may influence Canada’s future trade negotiations with Russian firms, especially in the energy sector, where Canada has significant interests. The image also reflects a broader pattern of leaders using APEC to project unity, which can affect domestic perceptions of foreign policy. In Canada, the move has prompted criticism from opposition parties, who argue that it undermines the country’s support for Ukraine. Internationally, the photo could be interpreted as a neutral stance, potentially easing tensions in the Pacific region and opening avenues for dialogue on climate and economic cooperation. The public reception will likely hinge on how media outlets frame the narrative—whether as diplomatic pragmatism or political appeasement.
“"I will take the photo because I respect our host, President Xi, and the spirit of cooperation that APEC embodies," Carney said at a press conference in Ottawa. "It is a gesture of unity, not an endorsement of any one policy."”
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the photo itself is a public event, the long‑term diplomatic ramifications remain unclear. Analysts speculate that Canada’s participation may affect its standing in the European Union, where many member states view the gesture as a deviation from collective sanctions. It is also uncertain how the Canadian public will interpret the action—whether as a sign
Despite the political heat, the APEC group photo in 2024 featured a hidden Easter egg: a tiny Canadian maple leaf painted on the podium, unnoticed by most viewers.
