At a regular press conference on November 12, a spokesperson of China’s Taiwan Affairs Office stated that Taiwan could only participate in next year’s APEC activities as a regional economy under the so-called “one China principle.” China will serve as the host economy for APEC in 2026.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) emphasizes that this statement is a serious departure from the facts concerning Taiwan’s APEC involvement, not only exposing China’s malicious intention to suppress and undermine Taiwan’s equal participation in APEC but also disrupting harmony within the organization.

Taiwan formally became a full member economy of APEC in 1991 under the name Chinese Taipei through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) of accession with that year’s host economy, the Republic of Korea. The text of the MOU, which did not refer to any “one China principle,” made clear that Taiwan would participate in APEC meetings and activities with other member economies on an equal basis.

It is also understood that in the MOU signed in relation to China’s accession to the organization, APEC only took note of China’s so-called “one China principle” and its position that there is a distinction between sovereign states and regional economies. APEC did not express agreement with or acceptance of such a stance.

Furthermore, all APEC member economies, including China, unanimously supported the inclusion of the following text in joint ministerial statements issued following APEC Ministerial Meetings this year and in 2024: “We attach great importance to APEC’s continued cooperation in the spirit of multilateralism, on the basis of consensus with all members participating on an equal footing in all its events, including Leaders’ Week, in accordance with the Guidelines for Hosting APEC Meetings and Relevant APEC Conventions.”

During last year’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, China’s APEC senior official sent a letter to all APEC member economies extending explicit assurances that “participants meeting APEC delegates requirements and conducting APEC cooperation and responsibilities will be facilitated smooth and safe participation in APEC meetings, including entry and exit facilitation.”

MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent state, that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other, and that the PRC has never ruled Taiwan. These are internationally accepted, objective facts and the status quo. China has no right to comment on or interfere in the sovereign actions of other nations. Its use of the so-called “one China principle” to undermine Taiwan’s participation and status is a grave violation of the core principle of APEC member economies participating on an equal basis.

MOFA firmly demands that China carry out its duties as APEC host economy satisfactorily; fulfill its commitments properly in accordance with APEC guidelines, standards, and practices; and guarantee Taiwanese participants equal, dignified, and safe involvement in next year’s APEC meetings and activities. Taiwan will not accept any political maneuvers aimed at undermining or excluding its participation and will work with like-minded partners to oppose such moves. (E)