Taiwan's government pushed back on China over how it's being treated at this year's APEC summit, a small but symbolic flashpoint in cross-strait relations.

• China, as this year's APEC host, invited Taiwan by email instead of using the usual practice of hand-delivering the invitation, a break from precedent.
• Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said it takes part in APEC as a full member under the group's own rules, rejecting China's claim that participation is bound by the "one China" principle.
• China's Taiwan Affairs Office said it is handling Taiwan's participation based on the one-China principle and existing APEC agreements.
• Taiwan's spokesperson said that so far, the officials attending the events have had a smooth experience, despite the diplomatic sniping.

Outlook: Expect continued friction over the terms of Taiwan's APEC participation without a major escalation in the near term.