President Chen Shui-bian received this morning Mr. Yun Hai-jung, envoy of South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, and announced that Legislative Speaker Wang Chin-ping will attend on the president's behalf the Informal Economic Leaders' Meeting of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), to be held in Pusan, South Korea, this year.
President Chen stressed that no leaders would want to become absent in the yearly gathering as it is an obligation of all APEC members. South Korea had played a vital role in Taiwan's joining the APEC, which is simultaneously with China and Hong Kong. Taiwan is, therefore, grateful for the help and support of South Korea.
President Chen added, however, that Taiwan would not embarrass the South Korean government and President Roh Moo-hyun by insisting on going to the APEC meeting in Pusan this year, if difficulties occur. But Taiwan would ask that China refrains itself from barring envoys and representatives authorized by the Taiwanese president. President Chen urged the South Korean president, who would be served as chairman of the APEC meetings this year, to facilitate the participation of Taiwan's representatives to the yearly gathering.
President Chen made a two-point statement during the reception of the South Korean envoy. The president said that he is entitled the right to attend in person APEC's Informal Economic Leaders' Meeting and has a strong will to do so. The president also said he has designated Legislative Speaker Wang as his proxy to meetings, if he is unable to attend due to China's pressure.
Envoy Yun Hai-jung offered today on behalf of South Korean President Roh an invitation for President Chen to attend APEC's Informal Economic Leaders' Meeting. The invitation has included the agendas of the summit meeting which has its focus on trade liberalization and security and peace in the Asia Pacific region. Mr. Yun expressed his affirmation and gratitude toward Taiwan's contributions to the APEC, and hoped that the Pusan meetings would see progresses and achievements in various aspects regarding economy.