Taiwan’s representative to next week’s APEC summit in South Korea, Lin Hsin-i, said he will seek “proactive” exchanges with other leaders, marking Taipei’s effort to maintain international visibility amid growing Chinese pressure. Taiwan, which attends APEC under the name Chinese Taipei, is one of the few platforms where both Taiwan and China are present.
Why It Matters:
The summit comes at a delicate time in cross-strait relations, with China intensifying diplomatic and military pressure on the self-ruled island it claims as its own. For Taipei, APEC provides a rare diplomatic window to interact with world leaders without breaching the “One China” sensitivities that often constrain its participation elsewhere.
Taiwan: President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan will “contribute to the region’s prosperity and sustainability,” reinforcing its image as a responsible global partner.
China: Beijing continues to block any formal engagement with Lai’s government, branding him a “separatist.”
United States: U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to attend and could indirectly signal support for Taiwan through informal interactions or remarks.
Regional Partners: Other APEC economies, particularly U.S. allies like Japan and Australia, are likely to quietly back Taipei’s participation as part of their broader effort to uphold regional inclusivity.
Future Scenario:
At the summit, Lin is expected to engage in informal diplomacy to rally support for Taiwan’s international space and economic cooperation. While a direct meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping remains unlikely, even symbolic gestures such as brief greetings will be closely watched for signs of tension or thaw.
Taiwan’s performance at APEC could shape its diplomatic momentum heading into 2026, as it continues balancing assertive participation in global forums with managing the risks of Beijing’s backlash.
With information from Reuters.
