China Conditions Taiwan's APEC Participation on 'One-China' Principle for 2026 Summit

Beijing Sets Condition for Taiwan's APEC Role

Beijing has declared that Taiwan's participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, scheduled to be held in Shenzhen, China, in November 2026, is contingent upon its acceptance of the 'One-China' principle. This statement from China's Foreign Ministry emphasizes that adherence to the 'One-China' principle, along with relevant APEC memorandums of understanding and established practices, constitutes the political prerequisite for 'Chinese Taipei's' involvement in APEC activities.

The 'One-China' Principle and Taiwan's Stance

The 'One-China' principle, as held by the People's Republic of China (PRC), asserts that there is only one sovereign state under the name China, with the PRC serving as its sole legitimate government, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. This principle opposes the idea of 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan.' Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), rejects Beijing's interpretation, maintaining that it has never been ruled by the PRC and that its future must be determined by the Taiwanese people.

Taiwan participates in APEC as a full-member economy under the designation 'Chinese Taipei,' a name adopted to navigate the complex political landscape and avoid issues of sovereignty. Taiwan's Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-lung, stated that China's latest demand represents an 'extra condition' and a violation of prior written assurances made by Beijing. According to Lin, these assurances, witnessed by other APEC members, committed to supporting Taiwan's equal participation and ensuring the safety of all attendees. Taiwan has indicated it will launch 'countermeasures' and work with 'like-minded countries' to safeguard its right to participate.

International Reactions and APEC Context

The United States State Department has weighed in, insisting on the full and equal participation of all APEC member economies, including Taiwan (referred to as Chinese Taipei), consistent with APEC's guidelines, rules, and established practice. A US State Department spokesperson noted that APEC members had agreed by consensus in 2024 to China's offer to host the 2026 summit, and members remain committed to equal footing for all participants. The US also stated it would continue to press China for security arrangements and protocols to safeguard all participants.

APEC, established in 1989, is one of the few international bodies where Taiwan holds membership. China has hosted the APEC summit twice before, in Shanghai in 2001 and Beijing in 2014. While relations were more amicable during the 2014 summit, Taiwan boycotted the 2001 summit due to disagreements over who it could send as its representative. The upcoming 2026 summit in Shenzhen marks China's third time hosting the event.