Taiwan can join Apec summit if it sticks to one-China principle, Beijing says
Taipei claims ‘numerous conditions’ have been imposed on its attendance at next year’s meeting in Shenzhen
“Participating in Apec as a regional economy under the one-China principle, and adhering to the provisions of the relevant Apec memoranda of understanding and established practices, is the political prerequisite for Chinese Taipei’s involvement,” she said. “On this issue, China’s position is clear and firm.”
Apec is one of the island’s few windows for involvement in high-level multilateral platforms – taking part under the name “Chinese Taipei” – given its exclusion from most United Nations-affiliated organisations.
This designation, agreed upon in a 1992 Apec memorandum of understanding, requires the island to adhere to the one-China principle and send ministerial-level delegates rather than its leader.
Beijing regards Taiwan as an inalienable part of its territory, to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including the US, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state but oppose any attempt to take the self-governed island by force.