Former Vice Premier Lin Hsin-i (林信義), a prominent businessman and senior presidential advisor, has arrived in Lima, Peru, ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting, scheduled for November 15-16. The 77-year-old leader was welcomed by Taiwan’s representative to Peru, Chang Yu-tsz (張幼慈), and Augusto Morelli, Peru’s director of economic promotion. His participation underscores Taiwan’s continued engagement in regional trade discussions despite diplomatic challenges.
Lin’s arrival marks Taiwan’s active role in the APEC summit, an annual event where leaders from 21 Pacific Rim countries, including major economies like the United States and China, gather to discuss economic cooperation and geopolitical issues.
Lin’s Arrival in Lima and Welcome by Taiwanese Community
Lin arrived on a charter flight with his daughter and was greeted by a group of around 30 members of the local Taiwanese community at his hotel. The warm welcome reflected the deep connections Taiwan maintains with its overseas communities, particularly in Latin America.
During a welcome reception later that evening, Lin delivered a speech acknowledging the significant changes in the global economic landscape. He noted the rapid restructuring of global supply chains, growing geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific, and the fast-changing international environment. In this context, he emphasized Taiwan’s role in leveraging its economic strengths and values-based diplomacy to build international support and strengthen its global standing.
The Importance of APEC for Taiwan
The APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting remains one of the most important annual gatherings for the Asia-Pacific region, with heads of government from APEC member countries discussing critical issues such as trade policies, economic cooperation, and regional stability. This year, the summit is expected to feature significant dialogues between major economic powers, including the United States, China, and Japan.
Taiwan, despite being a full member of APEC, has faced challenges in having its president participate in the leaders’ summit due to China’s opposition. Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has long exerted diplomatic pressure to prevent Taiwan’s full participation in international forums.
Lin’s participation in the summit as President Lai Ching-te‘s (賴清德) official envoy highlights Taiwan’s continued efforts to engage in regional discussions, even in the face of external pressures.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Lima, Peru |
| Event Dates | November 15-16, 2024 |
| APEC Participation | Lin Hsin-i representing Taiwan |
| Taiwan’s Diplomatic Status | Full APEC member, but Taiwan’s leaders excluded from the summit due to pressure from China |
| Previous APEC Engagements | Lin attended APEC summits in Brunei (2000), China (2001), and South Korea (2005) |
Lin’s Diplomatic Role and Past APEC Participation
Lin’s involvement in APEC summits is not a new development. Having served as economic affairs minister from 2000 to 2002 and vice premier from 2002 to 2004, Lin was a key figure in Taiwan’s economic diplomacy during the Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) administration. He previously represented Taiwan at APEC summits held in Brunei (2000), China (2001), and South Korea (2005), acting as a key envoy to discuss Taiwan’s economic interests with APEC members.
Now serving as the chairman of Taiwania Capital Management Corp., Lin remains a senior advisor to President Lai Ching-te, reflecting his enduring influence in Taiwan’s international economic policy.
His participation at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting not only highlights Taiwan’s commitment to multilateral trade but also serves as a statement of Taiwan’s resilience in pursuing active economic diplomacy despite ongoing diplomatic challenges posed by China.
Lin’s Vision for Taiwan’s Role in the Asia-Pacific
In his speech, Lin emphasized the critical importance of Taiwan’s economic advantages and values-based diplomacy in maintaining international support. He pointed to the rapid changes in global supply chains, geopolitical tensions, and the evolving international landscape as key challenges for Taiwan and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
Lin also reiterated Taiwan’s belief that it can continue to foster economic cooperation, regional stability, and trade opportunities by capitalizing on its innovation-driven economy and strong commitment to democratic values.
FAQs
1. Why is Lin Hsin-i attending the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting?
Lin Hsin-i is representing Taiwan at the APEC summit as President Lai Ching-te’s official envoy. Taiwan, despite not having formal representation at the APEC leaders’ summit due to China’s opposition, continues to send high-level representatives to participate in discussions on regional economic and trade issues.
2. What is APEC and why is it important for Taiwan?
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a major forum for 21 Pacific Rim countries to discuss economic issues, trade policies, and regional cooperation. Taiwan, as a full member of APEC, seeks to enhance its economic ties within the region, despite diplomatic isolation due to China’s pressure.
3. Has Taiwan’s president ever attended an APEC summit?
No, Taiwan’s presidents have not been able to attend the APEC leaders’ summit due to China’s diplomatic pressure. However, Taiwan continues to send high-ranking officials, such as Lin Hsin-i, to represent the island at these important gatherings.
4. What role did Lin Hsin-i play in Taiwan’s government?
Lin Hsin-i served as Taiwan’s economic affairs minister from 2000-2002 and as vice premier from 2002-2004 under President Chen Shui-bian. He is currently the chairman of Taiwania Capital Management Corp. and a senior advisor to President Lai Ching-te.
5. What is Taiwan’s strategy for international engagement despite China’s pressure?
Taiwan continues to pursue values-based diplomacy, emphasizing economic advantages and regional cooperation. Despite China’s efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically, the island remains an active participant in international forums like APEC, advocating for trade opportunities and regional stability.
Conclusion
As Taiwan navigates the challenges posed by China’s diplomatic pressure, Lin Hsin-i’s participation in the 2024 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting underscores the island’s ongoing commitment to regional cooperation and international engagement. Through its active involvement in key global forums, Taiwan continues to assert its economic strengths and values-based diplomacy, making its voice heard in the broader Asia-Pacific region.
For more updates on Taiwan’s involvement in international diplomacy, visit CialisWeb.tw.
