Taoyuan, Taiwan – Labour Minister Hung Sun‑han arrived back at Taiwan’s main international airport on Tuesday after a rare senior‑official visit to China for an Asia‑Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting. Hung told reporters he was “well‑treated” and did not experience any “belittling” during the conference, emphasizing that China fulfilled its host‑nation obligations by granting Taiwan the same rights of equal treatment and dignity as any other APEC member.
First senior official trip under President Lai’s administration
The trip marks the first time a minister from President Lai Ching‑te’s government has traveled to the mainland in more than ten years. Beijing has intensified both military and political pressure on Taipei, repeatedly rejecting President Lai’s offers for dialogue and labeling him a “separatist.” Despite these tensions, the APEC forum remains one of the few international bodies that includes Taiwan under the name “Chinese Taipei,” a designation also used for the Olympics.
Details of the visit
Hung said he entered China not with the usual Taiwan compatriot permit – a document most Taiwanese travelers to the mainland must obtain – but with a formal invitation letter issued for the APEC meeting. He spent Sunday and Monday in China discussing human‑resources matters before returning home on Tuesday.
China’s response and broader context
The Taiwan Affairs Office in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the minister’s statements. China continues to view Taiwan as a province and operates military assets around the island on an almost daily basis. President Lai has repeatedly asserted that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.
Implications for future APEC participation
While Hung’s visit was described as “relaxing” upon his return, Taiwan has not yet announced which officials will attend the upcoming APEC leaders’ summit scheduled for November in Shenzhen. Historically, Taiwan’s presidents have not traveled to the summit, opting instead to send lower‑level representatives.
Local relevance
For readers interested in international trade and regional cooperation, the APEC forum influences economic policies that affect global supply chains, including those that impact Texas businesses engaged in export and import activities. Understanding how Taiwan navigates its participation under the “Chinese Taipei” label provides insight into the complexities of cross‑strait relations and the broader geopolitical environment that shapes trade policy.
Hung concluded by expressing relief at being back in Taiwan, noting that the experience was “more relaxing” than he had anticipated given the heightened tensions between the two sides.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
