TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan will send presidential adviser Lin Hsin-i (林信義) to represent the island at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit (亞太經濟合作會議) in South Korea Thursday (Oct. 31). President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) assigned Lin three critical missions: advancing Taiwan's artificial intelligence initiatives, strengthening economic resilience, and sharing the island's semiconductor expertise with regional partners. Lin's participation marks his third consecutive year representing Taiwan at the influential economic forum.
President Lai emphasized Taiwan's evolution from manufacturing hub to innovation leader during a press conference. He expressed determination to collaborate with like-minded economic partners across the region. Lin intends to utilize the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, a gathering of regional heads of government, to engage directly with international counterparts and communicate President Lai's strategic directives.
The summit has attracted international attention amid anticipated discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平), with Trump announcing plans to address Taiwan-related issues. Trump's remark that Xi views Taiwan as "the apple of his eye" has raised concerns among Taiwanese legislators about potential diplomatic implications. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), Taiwan's cabinet head, emphasized Taiwan and America's strategic artificial intelligence leadership while urging both Trump and Xi to consider mutual global interests. ◼