How Taiwan’s Apec attendance could test Beijing’s cross-strait pragmatism

Taiwan's top trade negotiator will attend the Apec ministerial meeting in Suzhou, China, from May 22-23. This marks a rare instance of high-level participation since official cross-strait communication ceased in 2016. Analysts suggest this decision indicates both Taiwan and China are seeking to maintain a functional status quo within the regional forum, despite escalating tensions. Yang Jen-ni, a minister without portfolio and chief negotiator at Taiwan’s Office of Trade Negotiations, will lead the Taiwanese delegation. The participation highlights efforts to preserve cooperation within Apec.