Taiwan’s Labour Minister, Hung Sun-han, departed for China on Sunday to attend an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) human resources ministerial meeting in Nanjing. This marks the first ministerial-level visit to China by an official from President Lai Ching-te’s administration, occurring against a backdrop of escalating military and political pressure from Beijing.
Minister Hung, a former lawmaker known for his outspoken advocacy on human rights issues in Hong Kong and Tibet, departed Taiwan quietly and did not provide comments to the media. The labor ministry confirmed his departure but offered no additional details.
The rare visit highlights the delicate nature of cross-strait relations. While Beijing frequently conducts military operations around Taiwan and has rejected dialogue with President Lai—labeling him a “separatist”—APEC remains one of the few international forums where Taiwan participates. Taiwan operates within the group under the name “Chinese Taipei.”
China is serving as the APEC host nation for 2026, with the main leaders’ summit scheduled to take place in Shenzhen this November. Traditionally, Taiwan’s president does not attend the leaders’ summit to avoid political friction, instead sending prominent business leaders or former officials to represent the island. Taipei has not yet announced its envoy for the upcoming Shenzhen summit.