US official Matt Murray said on Thursday the United States considers Taiwan a full member of APEC with the same status as other members. Murray was speaking at an event at the Foreign Press Center in Washington. The United States is this year’s APEC host country.
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is a forum focused on encouraging economic dialogue in the region. This year’s plan includes three meetings between officials and a leaders summit in November.
Murray explains that since 1991 when Taiwan, the People’s Republic of China, and Hong Kong joined APEC, members have been referred to officially as economies. He says the United States views Taiwan as having equal status to other member economies.
The senior US official says Taiwan and the United States have worked closely to promote a range of issues, including women’s economic participation, energy security and resilience, and the digital economy.
He stresses the United States has made it clear that it is committed to following US regulations and allowing all delegations to fully participate in APEC activities. Murray says that includes Taiwan.
Murray adds the focus of this year’s activities are on enabling a more interconnected, innovative and inclusive future for the world. Murray however made no comment when asked whether Taiwan and the United States might hold a bilateral meeting at this year’s APEC events.