Leaders of the Asia-Pacific trade group Apec will focus on the region's economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, emphasising supply chain support and decarbonising economies, at virtual talks that begin on Monday.

Tensions are expected, however, during this week's talks among the 21-economy group over Taiwan's bid to join a regional trade pact and the United States' bid to host the 2023 round of meetings.

New Zealand is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders' Week entirely online thanks to its hardline pandemic response that has kept the international border...