Taiwan’s Envoy Says No Conversation With CCP Leader at APEC

Taiwan’s envoy to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) said on Nov. 16 that he didn’t shake hands with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Xi Jinping at this year’s summit in Peru but did wave to him, underscoring the ongoing tensions between Taipei and Beijing.
The special envoy, Lin Hsin-i, said at a press conference in Lima that while Taiwan’s representatives had engaged in talks with many APEC members, the interaction with Xi was limited to a greeting gesture across the room where leaders were gathered.
That was particularly evident during this year’s APEC meeting. According to Taiwan’s National Security Bureau memo reviewed by The Epoch Times, the Taiwanese government initially planned to send its former vice president, Chen Chien-jen, as its delegate. However, due to pressure from the CCP, Chen’s invitation was boycotted, forcing Taipei to find a last-minute substitute in order to ensure Taiwan’s participation in the summit.
“I also look forward to him having the opportunity to visit Taiwan at an appropriate time in the future,” Lin said.
To this, Lin said Biden told him he will.
The White House didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment about the conversation.
Hsu Szu-Chien, Deputy Secretary-General of Taiwan’s National Security Council, said at the joint press conference with Lin that there were “all kinds of misgivings and concerns” among APEC members about Beijing hosting the forum.
While Chinese courts have no jurisdiction on the island, Hsu said that Taiwan had expressed concerns that these guidelines would be wielded against not only its officials in China, but also against those from other APEC nations.
“Other APEC members have similar concerns, so the fact that a consensus was reached [on China hosting the forum] means Beijing has made promises in response to all members’ relevant concerns,” Hsu said.