Taiwan APEC summit efforts have intensified as former Vice Premier Lin Hsin-i prepares to meet U.S. President Donald Trump. Lin plans to attend the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders summit in South Korea. This move is significant because Taiwan faces limited representation due to Chinese diplomatic pressure.
Taiwan APEC summit participation remains a sensitive issue. In fact, China continues to block President Lai Ching-te from attending the event. Therefore, Lin Hsin-i has stepped in to represent Taiwan again, including at a recent summit in Peru. Now, he will once more act as the country’s representative, reinforcing Taiwan’s commitment to the APEC process despite challenges.
The summit will take place in the South Korean city of Gyeongju. Meanwhile, Taiwan is actively arranging meetings for Lin, including one with Trump and other world leaders. In addition, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung informed lawmakers about these plans during a recent session. He emphasized Taiwan’s determination to engage with key partners on the sidelines of the summit.
Because China is set to host next year’s APEC event, the situation becomes more complex. As a result, lawmakers expressed strong interest in how the government plans to navigate these diplomatic hurdles. Moreover, the foreign minister reiterated that Taiwan will use the Gyeongju summit as an opportunity to address these issues with the United States, South Korea, and other APEC members.
China only agreed to host the 2026 summit after promising to respect APEC’s rules and avoid discrimination. Consequently, Taiwan expects this commitment to hold, advocating for fair treatment within the organization. This ongoing dispute reflects broader regional tensions as well as the geopolitical importance of APEC as a forum for economic cooperation.
Lin Hsin-i brings extensive experience to his role. For example, he has served as economics minister and represented Taiwan at multiple APEC meetings in the past. Therefore, his participation signals Taiwan’s persistence in maintaining its voice in important international economic discussions.
Experts note that Taiwan’s efforts highlight the strategic importance of APEC. Indeed, the forum remains a vital platform for regional dialogue amid increasing economic competition. Thus, Taiwan’s push to engage with global leaders demonstrates its desire to safeguard economic interests and strengthen alliances.
Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to seek meaningful participation in future APEC events. Officials hope the dialogue at Gyeongju will ease diplomatic barriers and reinforce Taiwan’s position. Ultimately, the outcome could influence Taiwan’s role in broader international economic frameworks going forward.
