Beijing has refused to accept the blame for a row over Taipei's representative, claiming Taiwan was using it to grab attention from other Apec members. 'Apec members this year have important issues to discuss including the global economic downturn and co-operation to fight terrorism. We do not want to be distracted by minor issues,' said Wang Guangya, secretary-general of the China Secretariat for Apec. He was referring to Taiwan's insistence on sending former vice-president Li Yuan-zu, who is also senior adviser to Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian. China has insisted Taiwan send a representative with an economic background to the summit, but Taipei is standing by its decision to send Mr Li, apparently hoping his political status will boost Taipei's standing. 'The MOU [Memorandum of Understanding] which says that Taipei should send a senior delegate with an economic capacity to represent Taiwan is an MOU by Apec, not by China,' said Mr Wang. Taiwan takes part in Apec meetings as an 'economy' under the title 'Chinese-Taipei' - a compromise arrangement after China's objection to letting Taiwan join the regional group as a state. Mainland sources in Beijing said China wanted Taiwan to send an economic leader and was determined to censor any candidates of political significance. Meanwhile, Taiwan's media reported yesterday that Mr Li might be named a member of a top economic planning agency to meet Beijing's demand.
