Key Points:

• China will host the APEC 2026 summit in Shenzhen.
• Taiwan claims China has added conditions to its participation.
• China considers Taiwan part of its territory.

TAIPEI, Nov 5 (Reuters) – Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-lung, said Wednesday that China has introduced numerous conditions for Taiwan’s participation in the upcoming APEC 2026 summit in Shenzhen, reversing a previous commitment to allow “equal” participation.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is one of the few international organizations where Taiwan, despite Chinese claims, is recognized as a member. The summit next November occurs amid rising tensions as China increases military pressure on Taiwan.

Taiwan officials say that during last year’s APEC summit in Peru, China promised equal participation for Taiwan and guaranteed the safety of its delegates. However, China’s recent statements link Taiwan’s attendance to adherence to the “one China” principle, which Taipei firmly rejects.

“During last year’s APEC meeting in Peru, China made a written commitment supporting Taiwan’s equal participation, especially regarding the safety of attendees,” said Lin Chia-lung at a parliamentary briefing.
“Now, China has imposed numerous conditions on our participation in next year’s APEC summit in Shenzhen, violating that prior commitment. We will defend our rights and coordinate with like-minded nations to counter these actions.”

China Responds
Zhang Han, a spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, stated in Beijing that Taiwan’s participation will follow the one China principle and relevant APEC agreements.

Taiwan, which participates in APEC under the name “Chinese Taipei”, does not send its president to avoid political disputes. No APEC member maintains formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Historical Context
China hosted APEC in 2014 when cross-strait relations were more stable under then-President Ma Ying-jeou, who signed significant trade and tourism agreements with Beijing. Taiwan boycotted the 2001 APEC summit in China over disagreements about its delegation.

Financial Markets Impact
Asian shares dropped Wednesday morning following an earlier tech stock selloff on Wall Street.