Chinese President Hu Jintao and other leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathered in Sydney today for an informal meeting, which is expected to be dominated by discussions about pressing issues related to the region's sustainable development.

Under the theme of "strengthening our community and building a sustainable future," the leaders will exchange views on such issues as how to support a multilateral trading system, tackle climate change, enhance regional economic integration and eliminate "behind-the-border" barriers to competition.

According to Chinese foreign ministry officials, President Hu is expected to present at the meeting China's views on the Asia-Pacific cooperation process and climate change.

APEC is the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region.

Since its birth in 1989, it has grown to encompass 21 members spanning four continents, which account for approximately 40 percent of the world's population, 56 percent of world GDP and 48 percent of world trade.

The 21 APEC member economies include Australia; Brunei; Canada; Chile; China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; the Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; the Philippines; Russia; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; the United States and Viet Nam.