Taiwan mulls APEC boycott

Taiwan mulls APEC boycott

Reuters, Taipei

Taiwan is considering boycotting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shanghai next month because of China's refusal to allow President Chen Shui-bian to attend, Taipei local newspapers reported on Sunday.

Chen has repeatedly expressed his desire to take part in the Oct. 20-21 meeting and hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, Jiang Zemin.

But Beijing, which considers the self-governing island a breakaway province that must return to the fold, by force if necessary, has rejected his demand.

Newspapers quoted Economics Minister Lin Hsin-i as calling Beijing's stance unreasonable.

"Our country does not rule not attending the APEC meeting," Lin was quoted as saying, citing national dignity.

Taiwan, which has yet to receive a formal invitation for the Shanghai meeting.

Senior Taiwanese officials, including Lin, have attended APEC ministerial meetings on the mainland in recent months but China deliberately omitted their titles from the invitations and referred to them as "mister" instead of "minister".

Taiwan has taken part in APEC meetings as an "economy" under the name "Chinese Taipei" - an arrangement designed to overcome China's objection to recognition of Taiwan as a separate state.