China has dismissed Taiwan’s concerns about the safety of its representatives during next year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, insisting that participation by the island will depend solely on adherence to the “one China” principle and established APEC rules.
The 2026 APEC leaders’ meeting is set to take place in Shenzhen, southern China, next November. It will mark the first time Beijing hosts the annual forum since 2014, when cross-strait relations were significantly warmer under then–Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou.
China’s foreign ministry said in a written statement to Reuters that there was “no issue” regarding the participation of any economy, adding that the country “will fulfil its host-country obligations in accordance with APEC rules and customary practice.”
“We would like to emphasize that the key to Chinese Taipei’s participation in APEC activities lies in compliance with the ‘one China’ principle and the relevant APEC memorandum of understanding, rather than any safety issues,” the ministry said.
The remarks came after Taiwan’s foreign ministry official Jonathan Sun, speaking in South Korea at the close of this year’s APEC summit, expressed concern over the safety and fair treatment of Taiwan’s delegation in next year’s meeting.
Sun noted that while China had provided written assurances last year guaranteeing participants’ safety, Taipei was seeking confirmation that all economies, not only Taiwan, would be treated equally.
“We hope everyone can urge the Chinese side to fulfil their promises to ensure the safety of all participants and equal participation of the economies,” Sun said in Taipei on Monday.
Beijing’s response follows renewed tensions between China and Taiwan, with the Chinese military frequently conducting operations near the island and refusing direct communication with President Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing labels a “separatist.”
Adding to the strain, China lodged a protest after Taiwan’s APEC representative, former economy minister Lin Hsin-i, met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during the South Korea summit.
Lin brushed off Beijing’s objections, emphasizing that Taiwan participates in APEC as “Chinese Taipei,” consistent with long-standing arrangements.
APEC remains one of the few international platforms where Taiwan takes part despite Beijing’s objections.
However, its representation is limited, the island’s president never attends, and delegates participate under a politically neutral name to avoid sovereignty disputes.
The last time China hosted the forum, in 2014, ties across the Taiwan Strait were relatively cordial.
But earlier in 2001, Taiwan boycotted the APEC summit in Shanghai after Beijing rejected its choice of representative, a reminder of the persistent political sensitivities that continue to shadow the regional forum.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
