Taiwan head barred from APEC

Taiwan head barred from APEC

TAIPEI (DPA): Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian, barred from November's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum summit in Brunei, decided Friday to send an envoy to the meeting.

This is the eighth time Beijing has barred a Taiwan president from the summit attended by heads of state of APEC members. China sees Taiwan as its breakaway province.

An envoy of Brunei's Sultan Hassannal Bokiah brought the Sultan's invitation to Chen. Chen appointed Vice Premier Lai In- jaw to attend the summit, held in Brunei's capital Bandar Seri Begawan Nov. 15-16.

"As the head of state, I hope to attend the meeting to exchange views with other APEC member states' leaders. But knowing it would be difficult, I send my envoy to the meeting," Chen told Brunei's envoy.