Stan Shih appointed Taiwan’s APEC leader representative as Taipei seeks Beijing’s written guarantee of equal participation
The Acer founder previously represented Taiwan at the 2007 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting; China says Taiwan’s participation will be handled under the “one-China principle” and relevant memorandums.
President Lai Ching-te announced on Nov. 11 that he had appointed Acer founder Stan Shih as Taiwan’s representative to the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting. Shih will attend next week’s leaders’ summit in Shenzhen, China. Taipei also called on Beijing to provide written assurances that Taiwan’s delegation can participate in all meetings on an equal, dignified and safe basis.
Presidential Office spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui said Lai selected Shih for his international perspective and expertise in industry, hoping he would convey Taiwan’s views on economic and trade issues at the summit. Shih previously represented Taiwan at the 2007 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Sydney, Australia, and is familiar with the relevant issues.
This year’s APEC leaders’ summit is scheduled to take place in Shenzhen on Nov. 18 and 19, with related events beginning on Nov. 14. The Presidential Office said Taiwan has participated in APEC affairs according to its membership status since joining the organization in 1991, stressing that all members should enjoy equal rights to participate.
Kuo said Taiwan’s participation in APEC is based on existing membership arrangements and the organization’s established practices and should not be restricted by Beijing’s stated “one-China principle.” She urged China, as this year’s host, to fulfill its responsibilities by providing clear written assurances that Taiwan’s delegation can fully participate in all meetings.
According to a Reuters report, China’s Foreign Ministry said Taiwan’s participation in APEC affairs would be handled in accordance with the “one-China principle” and relevant memorandums. It added that Taiwan’s representative could attend the meetings normally as long as the relevant arrangements were followed.
Because of Beijing’s opposition, Taiwan’s president typically does not attend APEC leaders’ summits in person and instead appoints a representative. Shih’s appointment comes amid heightened cross-strait tensions, and whether Taiwan can participate smoothly in all summit activities will draw international attention. Details of the appointment and summit arrangements are also available in a Central News Agency report.