TAIPEI: Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou's office said yesterday it will announce the name of his envoy to the leaders summit of the 2009 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum after host country Singapore has been formally informed of the selection.

According to sources close to Ma, Kuomintang Honorary Chairman Lien Chan will be named as Ma's special envoy to the APEC summit that will be held November 12-14 in Singapore.

In keeping with past practice, Ma's office will announce the name after it has formally notified Singapore via a special envoy who will return to Taiwan soon, said Ma's spokesman Wang Yu-chi.

In August, Singapore sent a special envoy to Taipei to deliver an invitation to Ma Ying-jeou to attend this year's APEC forum. The Singaporean envoy is expected to return to Taiwan soon to ascertain who will represent Taiwan at the summit.

"This procedure shows respect for the host country," Wang added.

If Lien is selected, he will be representing Ma at the APEC leaders' summit for the second consecutive year.

Political observers said that Taiwan's choice of envoy to APEC this year will be seen a litmus test for cross-Straits relations and a chance to strengthen Taiwan-US relations, as the envoy will have the opportunity to meet US President Barack Obama and mainland leader Hu Jintao.

China Daily/CNA

(HK Edition 10/20/2009 page2)