TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Presidential Office announced on Monday (Oct. 21) that Lin Hsin-i (林信義), a senior advisor to President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), will serve as Taiwan’s envoy to the 2024 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru, scheduled for Nov. 10-16.
The APEC summit is a significant annual event for the regional trade bloc and one of the few international forums where both China and Taiwan participate. Taiwan attends as “Chinese Taipei” and, unlike other member economies, does not send its president due to China’s objections.
Lin’s appointment follows reports that Peru rejected Taiwan’s initial proposal to send former Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) as its envoy. The Liberty Times reported that Peru requested an alternative representative “without political baggage,” given that APEC “operates on a consensus basis.”
Lin previously served as the chair of the government-backed investment fund Taiwania Capital, per CNA. He was Taiwan’s economics minister from 2000 to 2002 and vice premier from 2002 to 2004.
In 2005, Lin led Taiwan’s delegation to the APEC summit in South Korea and has attended the summit twice before. “Lin is familiar with APEC operations and issues,” the Presidential Office said.
At last year’s APEC summit in San Francisco, Taiwan sent TSMC founder Morris Chang as its representative. Chang reportedly had informal discussions with US President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, but not with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
According to government officials, Lin’s appointment reflects President Lai’s international strategic approach, which includes a willingness to engage with China to fulfill international responsibilities while emphasizing reciprocity and dignity.
Political analysts noted that Lin’s experience and diplomatic acumen will be useful in managing Taiwan’s participation amid Beijing’s attempts to suppress its involvement since joining APEC in 1991. During the 2001 APEC summit hosted by China, Lin defended Taiwan after failing to receive an invitation, expressing regret toward China’s actions.
Although Lin has a history with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), officials emphasized his positive interactions with opposition parties and cross-party support. Analysts said his appointment signals Lai’s intention to foster unity within the government and advocate for Taiwan on the international stage.