Taiwan Protests China's Discriminatory APEC Summit Invitations
Taiwan has lodged a formal protest against China for using non-standard invitation methods and downgrading its official designation for the upcoming APEC summit.
The Foreign Ministry of Taiwan has lodged a strong protest against China over discriminatory treatment regarding Taiwan's participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit scheduled for November 18-19 in Shenzhen. Taiwan accuses Beijing of attempting to undermine its standing as an equal member by deviating from established diplomatic protocols.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung reported that China provided an email invitation rather than having an official deliver it personally, a move he characterized as differential treatment. Furthermore, reports indicate that a letter sent by Beijing failed to use the official APEC designation, Chinese Taipei, although Lin noted the email invitation did use the correct name. Taiwan maintains that Beijing must adhere to the conventions followed during the previous summit in South Korea.
Despite the dispute, Taiwan is continuing preparations for the summit. Lin asserted that Taiwan is a full APEC member and will defend its right to participate in the forum, regardless of Beijing's actions. This diplomatic friction occurs as China continues to maintain its long-standing claim that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China.
