China on Tuesday dismissed concerns raised by Taiwan regarding the safety and participation of its representatives at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, scheduled for 2026 in Shenzhen. Beijing asserted that the event would be held "in full compliance with APEC rules and the one-China principles."
Taiwan, which participates in the organization as "Chinese Taipei," has expressed concerns about the freedom of movement and security of its delegation within China, amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait. The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Taiwan had previously boycotted the 2001 Shanghai summit for similar reasons.
Beijing responded that these concerns were "unfounded" and assured that all participants would be welcomed in accordance with APEC diplomatic protocol. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also called on Taiwan to "refrain from politicizing an international economic forum."
Relations between China and Taiwan are currently at one of their lowest points in several decades, as Beijing increases military exercises around the island, which it considers a breakaway province, while Taipei strengthens its ties with the United States and Japan.
