China indicates rejection of APEC envoy

This is in spite of the fact that Taiwan is a full member of the organization, members of which are economies rather than sovereign states, with a right to the same level of representation as China.

Taiwan has in the past sent its economic affairs minister, chairman of the CEPD and Koo -- in his capacity as CEPD consultant -- to attend the summits.

Some have worried that Li's status as a former vice president could trigger Beijing's rejection of Li's attendance.

Wang Chi-kang (王志剛), official spokesman for the KMT and a former minister of economic affairs, said that China should explain its reasons if it refuses Lee's participation.

"It would violate the spirit of the APEC if China rejects one of its members for non-economic reasons," Wang said.

Additional reporting by Tsai Ting-i