Taiwanese Delegation to Attend APEC Forum in San Francisco

Taiwan will take part in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in San Francisco this week, a rare opportunity for the self-governing island democracy to break the diplomatic embargo imposed by China.

Taipei, November 15: Taiwan is set to take part in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in San Francisco this week, presenting a rare opportunity for the self-governing island democracy to break the diplomatic embargo imposed by authoritarian China. With a population of 23 million people and a thriving high-tech economy, Taiwan's participation in the forum is significant.

Taiwan's Representation

In accordance with an unwritten rule that satisfies China's contention that APEC members participate as economic entities rather than state players, Taiwan's chief delegate will be Morris Chang, the 92-year-old founder of the world-leading Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). Known as the godfather of the semiconductor industry, Chang's presence highlights Taiwan's top-ranking position in high-tech manufacturing and personal electronic devices.

Taiwan's APEC Participation

Taiwan has been participating in APEC since 1991 under the name "Chinese Taipei." Its involvement began just two years after the group's inception and coincided with the admission of China and the semi-autonomous Chinese city of Hong Kong. To avoid China's objections, Taiwan has relied on retired ministers and industry leaders, such as Chang, who maintain close connections with the government but do not hold formal office. However, Taiwan's government will still be represented at the forum, with Minister of Finance Chuang Tsui-yun attending a meeting led by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and two other ministers participating in separate meetings.

Taiwan as a Major Topic at Xi-Biden Meeting

Taiwan's participation in APEC comes amid heightened tensions between China and the United States. The island, a former Japanese colony until the end of World War II, split from mainland China during a civil war in 1949. China continues to claim Taiwan as its territory and has threatened to annex it by force if necessary. These acts of intimidation strain Taiwan's military, which, despite having a fraction of the air, sea, and missile power compared to China's People's Liberation Army, relies heavily on young men fulfilling their mandatory national service. However, Taiwan has been investing in upgraded arms purchases from the US and bolstering its defense industry, including building submarines to counter the Chinese naval threat.

US Support for Taiwan

Although the US does not have a military treaty with Taiwan, it is obligated under federal law to ensure the island's self-defense capabilities and consider threats to Taiwan as matters of "grave concern." This, coupled with Washington's alliances in the region and its refusal to recognize China's claim over the South China Sea, makes the Taiwan Strait a potential flashpoint. China primarily seeks an end to US arms sales to Taiwan, particularly advanced F-16 fighter jets, and a guarantee that the US will not provide electoral support to the ruling pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

China's Assertiveness and Taiwan's Elections

Despite China's lackluster economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, President Xi Jinping is determined to restore China's historical prominence as a cultural, political, and economic powerhouse in the Asia-Pacific region. Taiwan, with its multi-party system and broad consensus favoring political separation from China, poses a challenge to Beijing's leadership. China has used military threats, economic opportunities, and political enticements to influence Taiwanese politics, mainly through the Kuomintang (KMT) party. However, the outcome of Taiwan's upcoming presidential and legislative elections in January will be a key indicator of the populace's desire to maintain the status quo or seek accommodation with Beijing.

Ultimately, Taiwan's participation in APEC underscores the complex dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region. As the world watches, Taiwan's future and the balance of power in the region hang in the balance.