TAIPEI — Taiwan has strongly protested against what it described as China's discriminatory treatment over arrangements for its participation in the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, accusing Beijing of attempting to undermine its standing as an equal member of the regional organisation, ANI reported, citing The Taipei Times.

Source: ANI via DevDiscourse (reporting The Taipei Times)

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung stated on November 2 that China sent the APEC summit invitation via email rather than by the traditional method of delivery through a special envoy, JKN reported. Taiwan's government views this as discriminatory treatment and asserts that its equal status as an APEC member must be guaranteed; Lin said Taiwan has faced discriminatory treatment at various APEC-related meetings this year as well, and that if such acts occur he will lodge immediate protests and communicate with other members to secure support.

Source: JKN (Joins Korea News)

According to The Taipei Times, China reportedly sent Taiwan a communication that fell short of a formal invitation, and an official familiar with the matter said Beijing had also avoided using the designation 'Chinese Taipei', under which Taiwan participates in APEC, departing from established diplomatic protocol. It was not disclosed what name was used in this invitation, JKN noted. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government had immediately lodged a strong protest with Beijing, stressing that it would defend its rights and status as a full and equal APEC member, and that preparations for Taiwan's participation were continuing in accordance with previous practices.

Source: ANI via DevDiscourse (reporting The Taipei Times)

Nov 18-19Dates of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, hosted by China
Chinese TaipeiThe name under which Taiwan traditionally participates in APEC, sending a presidentially appointed representative instead of its president
3 namesBusiness figures Taiwanese media say are being considered as Taiwan's representative: Acer founder Stan Shih, TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei, and former Premier Lin Chuan

A business leader, not a politician, may carry Taiwan's seat

The Taiwan government is in the process of selecting a representative to send to the summit, JKN reported. Lin Hsin-i, the presidential adviser who represented Taiwan at last year's APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, is declining due to health reasons, and the focus is shifting toward appointing a business leader rather than a political figure — with Taiwanese media naming Acer founder Stan Shih, TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei and former Premier and Orient Pharma Chairman Lin Chuan as potential candidates.

China's theme for its APEC year is 'Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Promote Shared Prosperity', with openness, innovation and cooperation as its stated priorities, alongside a CEO Summit and APEC Business Advisory Council meetings. Taiwan traditionally participates in APEC under the name Chinese Taipei and sends a presidentially appointed representative to the annual leaders' meeting — one of the few international forums where it sits as a member despite Beijing's claim that Taiwan is part of its territory, a claim Taipei's government rejects.