China’s foreign ministry has brushed aside safety worries expressed by Taiwan regarding next year’s Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which will be hosted by China in Shenzhen in 2026.
Taipei officials had sought written assurances from Beijing that participants—including those from Taiwan—would be safe and treated equally.
In response, China affirmed that as the host nation it will fulfil its obligations under APEC procedures and that participation will proceed “smoothly.” The ministry emphasised that Taiwan’s involvement hinges not on security concerns, but on conformity with the “one China” principle and the relevant APEC memorandum of understanding.
The APEC forum remains one of the few multilateral bodies in which Taiwan participates—albeit under the name “Chinese Taipei,” and without its president attending.
Relations between Beijing and Taipei have deteriorated significantly, with China frequently conducting military activity near the island and refusing official contact with Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching‑te, whom China labels a separatist.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry noted that, while China had offered assurances last year about participant safety, Taiwan also raised questions about whether all economies would receive equal treatment. (Reuters)