The United States has emphasized that Taiwan must be allowed full and equal participation when China hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit next year. This statement comes after Taipei raised concerns that Beijing has imposed multiple restrictions and conditions on its attendance at the high-level regional forum.

APEC remains one of the few international organizations where Taiwan, officially referred to as Chinese Taipei, is recognized as a participant. The upcoming 2026 summit, scheduled to take place in Shenzhen, occurs amid escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait, fueled by increased Chinese military pressure on the island.

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Taiwan’s Participation Controversy

China’s Foreign Ministry has reiterated that Taiwan’s involvement in APEC must comply with the “One China” principle, asserting that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to a single nation. Taipei strongly rejects this claim, asserting that Beijing has no authority to dictate its representation in international forums.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson stressed that all APEC members previously agreed by consensus to China’s hosting of the 2026 summit, and that all members must participate on equal footing in all APEC activities. The spokesperson added:
“Our highest priority is the safety and security of U.S. citizens, and we will continue to press China for security arrangements and protocols that safeguard all participants when attending APEC meetings in China.”

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U.S. Position on Taiwan in APEC

The United States reaffirmed its support for Taiwan’s inclusion under the name “Chinese Taipei”, consistent with APEC’s established rules and past practices. The State Department emphasized that Taiwan’s full participation is essential to maintain APEC’s credibility as an inclusive economic forum.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded, stating that China will uphold its responsibilities as host and that Beijing has clearly communicated its position regarding Taiwan. Despite the political complexities, Taiwan participates in APEC without sending its president, to avoid direct political confrontation with China.

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Historical Context

Taiwan’s participation in China-hosted APEC events has historically been fraught with tension. During China’s last hosting of APEC in 2014, relations with Taiwan were comparatively positive under then-President Ma Ying-jeou, who successfully negotiated trade and tourism agreements with Beijing.

However, Taiwan boycotted the 2001 APEC summit in China over disagreements regarding its official delegation, highlighting the ongoing challenges of navigating cross-strait politics in international forums.

Currently, no APEC member maintains formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, underscoring the delicate balance that the summit must achieve to ensure participation without escalating political tensions.

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Significance for Regional Diplomacy

The APEC 2026 summit represents a crucial opportunity for economic dialogue, regional cooperation, and trade development in the Asia-Pacific. Ensuring Taiwan’s equal participation is not only a matter of protocol but also a statement on economic inclusion and regional stability.

With cross-strait tensions intensifying and the geopolitical landscape shifting, international observers are closely watching how China will manage Taiwan’s involvement while maintaining the forum’s spirit of cooperation.