Will Hong Shen-han Be Safe in Nanjing? DPP Lawmaker Dismisses Concerns Over APEC Trip

The prospect of Taiwan’s labor minister traveling to Nanjing for an APEC meeting has prompted worries that his personal safety could be at risk in China.

Chuang Jui-hsiung, the Democratic Progressive Party’s legislative caucus whip, rejected those concerns. He said Taiwan is an APEC member and should attend when invited, provided it participates on an equal footing and with dignity.

Hong Shen-han is expected to attend the APEC Human Resources Development Ministers’ Meeting in late September in his capacity as labor minister. Chuang said Taiwan would not stay away simply because the meeting was held in China, or in any other particular location.

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You are very worried that Hong Shen-han will be arrested and unable to return.

Chuang also said Hong’s attendance would allow Taiwan to present its experience in labor policy and discuss the issue with representatives from other economies. He pointed to Taiwan’s economic development and its gradual progress in labor rights and working conditions, saying the country could now move confidently in international forums despite continuing criticism.

Responding to questions about whether Hong might become the first minister in President Lai Ching-te’s administration to visit China, Chuang acknowledged the public’s concern but dismissed the idea that attending an APEC meeting would itself create a security threat. “You are very worried that Hong Shen-han will be arrested and unable to return,” he said, adding that if participation in an APEC meeting in China posed such a danger, the international community would be startled by China.

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If an APEC meeting held in China posed a threat to a person’s safety, the whole world would be startled by China.