Taipei's Decision a Regret: Chinese FM SpokespersonChina expressed its regret Friday over the decision by Chinese Taipei not to send its representative to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Meetings scheduled for October 20-21 in Shanghai.A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said here that as the host of this year's APEC meetings, China welcomes the participation of all APEC members and has offered corresponding protocol and conveniences to all members in accordance with the principle of equity and politeness. "China has repeatedly expressed its welcome of Chinese Taipei to participate in the APEC Leaders Meeting in Shanghai and other APEC activities and has issued invitations," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson pointed out that APEC's relevant memorandum of understanding has provided explicit provisions on Chinese Taipei's candidate to the APEC Leaders Meeting and that a practice has been formed over the previous meetings. Chinese Taipei has failed to select a candidate that conforms to these provisions and practice. "We regret over this," the spokespersons said. |
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