China Adds New Hurdles to Taiwan's APEC Summit Role

Taiwan’s foreign minister has accused China of adding new conditions for its participation in next year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, saying Beijing’s actions undermine a written agreement guaranteeing equal participation.

At a press conference in Taipei, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said that during the 2024 APEC summit in Lima, Peru, China agreed in writing that Taiwan could attend the 2026 summit in Shenzhen under equal and secure terms. He said China is now insisting that Taiwan’s attendance must comply with the “One China” principle, which Taipei firmly rejects.

The “One China” principle asserts that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to a single country, a claim Taiwan’s democratically elected government disputes. Taiwan takes part in APEC under the name “Chinese Taipei” and does not send its president to the meetings to avoid political tension. 

• Taiwan accuses China of violating APEC agreement ahead of 2026 Shenzhen summit
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• APEC 2026 dispute deepens Taiwan-China tensions over equal representation

Lin said China’s new demands violate last year’s agreement and indicated that Taipei will coordinate with other nations to safeguard its right to take part. He added that China’s foreign ministry has not yet responded to Taiwan’s objections.

The dispute comes at a time of rising cross-strait tension, as China continues to increase military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan. Taipei argues that Beijing has no authority to represent it in international forums and should not restrict its global participation.

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The issue surrounding Taiwan’s attendance at the 2026 APEC summit could become a test of regional diplomacy. Taiwan seeks recognition as an equal economic partner, while China appears determined to enforce political limitations on its presence. The outcome will be closely watched by APEC members seeking to preserve regional cooperation without deepening existing political divides.