Taiwanese finance minister plans to join Apec meeting in Hong Kong

Taiwanese Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun intends to attend the Apec meeting in Hong Kong, where the Chinese finance chief will deliver the opening remarks. Her ministry confirmed that she would participate "as is customary." The Apec Finance Ministers' Meeting is scheduled for October 20-21 in Hong Kong, with the Economic Leaders' Summit in Shenzhen next month.

The Hong Kong government is working closely with China's Ministry of Finance to manage the registration and accreditation process for delegates. While the bureau did not explicitly confirm Chuang's attendance, they emphasized their commitment to providing necessary arrangements for all Apec member economies, including Taiwan. Taiwan is known as "Chinese Taipei" in Apec, and the meeting is one of the few international gatherings to include the self-ruled island.

Chuang is the second high-ranking Taiwanese official to attend an Apec summit this year, following Taiwanese Labour Minister Hung Sun-han's visit to Nanjing. Beijing has criticized Lai for his "separatist mindset" and has rejected his offers for talks. Most countries, including the United States, do not recognize Taiwan as an independent state, but they support its right to self-determination and provide it with defensive weaponry.

Other expected attendees at the Hong Kong Apec meeting include Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers, South Korean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Lee Hyoung-il, and Singapore's Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow Chen Siang.