Taiwan to Attend China’s APEC Summit on an ‘Equal Basis,’ President Says

Taiwan will attend China’s 33rd APEC leaders’ summit on an “equal basis,” President Lai Ching-te said Thursday, a day after Taipei sought written assurances of fair treatment from Beijing. China will host the November 18–19 summit in Shenzhen. Founded in 1989, APEC has 21 member economies and promotes regional trade, investment, technology and economic cooperation.

Lai said Taiwan would follow the principle of equal participation among APEC members. He also thanked economies that supported Taiwan’s participation, without naming them. Taipei’s request for written assurances reflects concerns over how Beijing will treat its delegation. The summit will test whether Taiwan can participate on equal terms despite the continuing dispute over its political status.

Taiwan Names Acer Founder Stan Shih as Its APEC Envoy

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has appointed Acer founder Stan Shih as Taiwan’s representative to China’s APEC summit. Shih previously represented the island at the 2007 APEC meeting in Sydney, Australia. This time, Lai wants him to highlight Taiwan’s contribution to regional economic cooperation and its leading role in global technology and semiconductor supply chains. He is also expected to present Taiwan as a stable and reliable partner amid geopolitical tensions, energy challenges, and changes in global trade.

Since Beijing does not recognize Taiwan as a separate sovereign state, it opposes treating its president as the leader of an independent country. Therefore, Taiwan often appoints business leaders or former government officials to represent the island at APEC meetings. Shih’s business experience and previous role at APEC could help him advance Taiwan’s economic interests and promote its commitment to regional cooperation.

China Cites One-China Principle as Taiwan Seeks Written Assurances

Taiwan has asked Beijing for written guarantees that its delegation can attend all APEC meetings with equality, dignity, and security. Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo said equal participation follows established APEC practice and that no member should impose unilateral political conditions on another’s participation. She added that Taipei would seek an immediate correction if its delegation faced unfair treatment. However, China’s Foreign Ministry insisted that Taiwan’s participation must follow the One-China principle and relevant APEC rules. It said Taiwan’s representatives could attend meetings normally if they followed those arrangements, but did not directly respond to the request for written assurances.

The dispute comes amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Beijing refuses to engage with President Lai Ching-te and describes him as a separatist. China also conducts regular military activities around Taiwan, while Lai rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims. The Shenzhen summit carries added diplomatic significance because U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during the event. Taiwan’s participation in the Shenzhen summit will go beyond regional economic cooperation, placing its international status and strained relations with Beijing under renewed diplomatic scrutiny.

Web resources on Taiwan to Join China’s APEC Summit on Equal Basis

1. Reuters : Taiwan is taking part in APEC China summit on an ‘equal basis,’ president says.
2. Taipei Times : Taiwan taking part in APEC China summit on an ‘equal basis,’ Lai says.
3. The Straits Times : Taiwan appoints Acer founder as APEC envoy, calls for written guarantees from China.