APEC Meetings Begin in Guangzhou: Taiwan’s Name Remains “Chinese Taipei”

Guangzhou, China – Senior officials from across the Asia-Pacific region convened in Guangzhou today, February 10, 2026, for the opening of a high-level meeting ahead of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The meeting, the first of its kind leading up to the main summit in Shenzhen later this year, saw the participation of representatives from Taiwan, listed on official materials as “Chinese Taipei.”

The continued use of “Chinese Taipei” for Taiwan’s representation at APEC is a long-standing agreement, stemming from a 1992 memorandum of understanding. This designation requires Taiwan to adhere to the “one China principle” and to send ministerial-level delegates, rather than its head of state, to APEC forums. The arrangement reflects the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding Taiwan’s international status, which remains a sensitive issue in cross-strait relations and a point of contention between China and the United States.

According to reports from Taiwanese media, the designation of Taiwan as “Chinese Taipei” remained unchanged at the Guangzhou meeting. This follows a similar practice at the 2025 APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, where a display board identifying the Taiwanese delegation simply as “Taiwan” sparked controversy and prompted concerns from Beijing. The incident highlighted the PRC’s insistence on its claim over the island and its expectation that international organizations respect the “one China principle.”

The United States has consistently maintained that all APEC member economies, including Taiwan, should have full and equal participation in the forum, in line with APEC traditions and regulations. In November 2025, the US State Department affirmed this position, stating that China had already agreed to these terms when discussing the 2026 summit during meetings in Peru in 2024. The US has also emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of all participants at the Shenzhen summit.

However, Beijing has recently signaled a potential shift in its stance, suggesting that Taiwan’s participation in the 2026 APEC summit is contingent upon acceptance of the “one China principle.” This assertion prompted a response from Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, who accused Beijing of backtracking on its previous commitments. Lin stated that during the 2024 Peru meetings, China had made a written commitment to support Taiwan’s “equal” participation, particularly regarding the safety of attendees.

APEC provides one of the few remaining avenues for Taiwan to engage in high-level multilateral forums, given its exclusion from most United Nations-affiliated organizations. The forum’s economic focus allows Taiwan to participate in discussions on trade, investment, and regional economic cooperation, despite its limited formal diplomatic recognition. The significance of APEC for Taiwan is amplified by its de facto positioning in the international arena, which often clashes with the PRC’s political declaration that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

The 2026 APEC summit in Shenzhen is expected to be a key test of China’s willingness to adhere to its previous commitments regarding Taiwan’s participation. The US has indicated it will continue to press China to implement security arrangements and protocols to guarantee the safety of all attendees. Taiwan, for its part, has stated it will collaborate with nations sharing similar values to counter any conditions imposed by China.

The opening of the senior officials’ meeting in Guangzhou, attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, underscores the importance China places on hosting a successful APEC summit. The event is seen as an opportunity for China to showcase its economic and political influence in the Asia-Pacific region. However, the ongoing dispute over Taiwan’s participation threatens to overshadow the economic agenda and further strain relations between China and the United States.

The situation highlights the delicate balance required to navigate the complex political landscape of the Asia-Pacific region. While APEC aims to foster economic cooperation, the underlying geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning Taiwan, continue to pose significant challenges to regional stability and diplomatic efforts.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether China will uphold its previous commitments and allow Taiwan to participate fully and equally in the 2026 APEC summit, or whether it will insist on conditions that could further escalate tensions and undermine the forum’s credibility.