The United States has urged China to allow Taiwan full and equal participation at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit hosted by China in Shenzhen. Taiwan has raised concerns that China imposed additional conditions on its attendance, while China insists Taiwan's participation must comply with the "one China" principle.
U.S. Advocates Equal Participation for Taiwan
As reported by Reuters correspondent and U.S. State Department spokesperson on November 5, 2025, the United States has asserted that Taiwan must be granted full and equal involvement in the 2026 APEC summit. This call comes after Taiwan expressed concerns over Beijing adding numerous conditions to its participation in the event held in Shenzhen, China.
The spokesperson emphasised that APEC members reached a consensus in 2024 to accept China's proposal to host the summit and that all members are committed to equal participation. The spokesperson stated,
“The United States maintains that all APEC member economies, including Taiwan—referred to as Chinese Taipei within APEC—should participate fully and equally, in line with APEC’s guidelines, rules, and established practices, as recognised by China in its hosting offer for 2026”.
The United States also highlighted the importance of safety and security, asserting that protecting the wellbeing of all attendees, including U.S. citizens, remains a priority.
Taiwan's Concerns over China's Conditions
Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has publicly stated that Beijing has “added a lot of conditions” to Taiwan's attendance at the 2026 APEC summit, diverging from previous commitments made last year during the 2024 APEC meeting in Peru. At that meeting, China reportedly provided written assurances supporting Taiwan’s “equal participation” and guaranteeing the safety of attendees.
Speaking at the Taiwanese Parliament, Lin underscored Taiwan’s intention to “safeguard our right to participate” and announced plans to work with “like-minded countries” to introduce countermeasures against China’s restrictions.
Taiwan joined APEC in 1991 under the name “Chinese Taipei,” reflecting its complex international status amid China’s territorial claims.
China’s Position on Taiwan's Participation
China's Foreign Ministry remains firm that Taiwan's participation must conform to the "one China" principle. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the ministry, reiterated this stance during a press conference in Beijing, stating,
“China’s position on this issue is clear and firm,”
adding that adherence to the principle is a political prerequisite for Taiwan’s involvement in APEC activities.
The "one China" principle holds that Taiwan is part of the Chinese territory, a claim disputed by Taiwan’s government which asserts its independent status since 1949.
Mao also assured that China would fulfil its responsibilities as the APEC host, maintaining its position while emphasising compliance with relevant provisions and the memorandum of understanding governing APEC participation.
Background on APEC and Taiwan's Membership
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is a regional inter-governmental forum established to promote free trade and economic cooperation among its 21 member economies. Taiwan is one of the few international bodies in which Taiwan participates under the name "Chinese Taipei" due to Beijing's political pressure and claims.
The 2026 summit in Shenzhen will be a significant event amid heightened tensions between Beijing and Taipei, which have deteriorated due to increased Chinese military and diplomatic pressure on the island.
International Reactions and Security Concerns
The U.S. position highlights the importance of upholding agreed principles of equal participation within APEC’s framework. The insistence on security arrangements seeks to protect all delegates, reflecting broader concerns about the safety of participants during events hosted by China.
Taiwan’s forthcoming countermeasures indicate growing international attention on how China manages its diplomatic relations with Taiwan within multilateral settings.
The 2026 APEC summit in Shenzhen has become a focal point in cross-strait relations. The U.S. advocates for Taiwan’s full and equal participation, rejecting Beijing’s additional conditions. Taiwan’s government is preparing countermeasures to protect its rights, while China maintains its stance based on the "one China" principle. The outcome will be closely watched as it may set precedents for future participation of Taiwan in international forums.