Accusing China of trampling on its dignity, Taiwan decided on Friday to boycott this weekend's summit of Pacific Rim leaders.
The move was supported by the island's president, who urged those attending the gathering to condemn Beijing's 'bullying'.
At a news conference, Taiwan's Economic Minister Lin Hsin-Yi accused China of failing in its duties as an APEC host and called its behaviour "irrational". The feud at APEC was sparked by China's rejection of the Taiwanese representative nominated to attend the leaders' forum on Saturday and Sunday.
The Taiwanese are not permitted to send their president because China insists that the island is part of Chinese territory and has blocked its leader from attending past meetings.
Taiwan usually sends an economics official to the gathering, but this time it wanted to dispatch retired Vice President Li Yuan-Zu, a criminal law expert who the Taiwanese suggest could have contributed to APEC's discussion about terrorism. The Chinese did not give an official explanation for their refusal, but comments made by Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan at a joint press conference on Thursday suggest they are suspicious of his dual role as presidential adviser.
Taiwan's failed to attract any public support for its stance at the APEC meeting.
The island's closest friend, the United States, is cosying up with China, whose support could be crucial in the US-led war on terrorism. Bureau Report